what are the border common ridings?
A Complete Guide to the traditions of the Common Ridings in the Scottish Borders
An age old tradition
The Scottish Borders is a region steeped in heritage, community lore, and centuries-old customs, and at the heart of its living culture is an event known across Scotland and beyond: Borders Common Riding.
But what are the Border Common Ridings?
What are its origins, and why does it remain such an enduring and emotional celebration for the Borders towns?
In this guide, we’ll dive into its history, traditions, meaning, and how different Border communities, especially our hometown of Hawick, bring the event to life each year.
Pictured: Borders Malt & Rye
What are the Border Common Ridings?
The Borders Common Riding refers to a series of annual festivals held in towns across the Scottish Borders, typically during the summer months.
Each Common Riding commemorates the historical practices of “riding the marches” – that is, riding the boundaries of the common lands to protect them from encroachment and defend the territory from rivals.
Though rooted in practical and defensive tasks of the medieval past, today’s Common Ridings are colourful, celebratory, and community-driven occasions featuring processions, horseback riding, music, ceremonial acts, and deep expressions of local pride.
People often ask, “What are the Borders Common Ridings?” – the answer being it’s not just a festival, it’s a living ritual anchored in shared identity, storytelling, and an appreciation of Scottish Borders history that spans centuries.
The origins of the Common Riding
In the centuries before modern maps, fences, and formal property law, communities needed a way to clearly define and protect their common lands; areas used collectively for grazing, firewood, and resources.
Across the Scottish Borders, villages and towns maintained these boundaries by riding them on horseback, inspecting for damage, signposting territory, and marking any intrusions.
These boundary patrols eventually became annual rituals, timed to coordinate with agricultural cycles and local needs. They served several purposes:
- Protecting communal land rights
- Maintaining border security
- Reinforcing town and parish identity
- Strengthening community cohesion
Over time the practical need to defend boundaries faded, especially as central governance, maps, and law enforcement grew stronger. Yet the community ritual persisted. Important families, local worthies, riders, pipers, and townsfolk turned the practice into a festival: a Common Riding.
Today, Common Ridings are celebratory, colourful, and symbolic. Commemorating a shared heritage rather than patrolling marches.
Hawick Common Riding: our hometown festival
When people ask “What are the Borders Common Ridings?”, Hawick’s event is often the first example that comes to mind – and for good reason. Hawick Common Riding is widely recognised as the largest and oldest of all the Borders traditions.
Hawick Common Riding is not a single day event, it spans several weeks, filled with official ceremonies, parades, horseback riding, music and gatherings that draw thousands of visitors from across Scotland and beyond.
At its core are key members of the town who are annually elected, and act as officials of the festival:
- The Cornet: A central figure who carries the town standard and is watched with pride and attention by locals.
- The Cornet’s Lass: The Cornet’s Lass is the female counterpart to the Cornet.
- The Acting Mother and Father: These are senior, respected members of the community appointed annually. They support the Cornet and the Lass in the weight of their role.
- Left and Right hand Men and Lassies: The Left and Right hand Men are previous years elected Cornet, and along with their corresponding Lassies, stay on for a further two years after their service to support the current Principals in their duties.
- The Riders: Riders on horseback follow the Cornet on processions around the traditional boundary routes, celebrating the march-riding heritage. The ride to Hornshole, commemorating the 1514 skirmish, is particularly significant.
- Piping and Drumming: Integral at every turn, pipe bands provide music that resonates throughout the town.
What makes Hawick’s Common Riding especially unique is the sheer scale of local involvement, with hundreds of riders and thousands more spectators taking part each summer.
Common Riding traditions across other Border towns
While Hawick’s festival is the best known internationally, Borders Common Riding takes many equally vibrant forms throughout the region.
In Selkirk, the Common Riding features a tradition where a Standard Bearer runs uphill to the Gilmour Hill to plant the flag, celebrating the town’s past and honouring its community spirit. The event blends athleticism with ceremony.
In Langholm, the riders declare the boundaries of the common land, often including the sharing of ceremonial toasts and singing of local songs. Langholm’s festival is known for its inclusive community atmosphere.
Coldstream’s Common Riding crosses the English–Scottish border, recognizing the town’s historical role on both sides of the marches. It celebrates shared heritage with its neighbour, Berwick-upon-Tweed.
And there are many more, including…
Each town puts its own stamp on the festival, from the dress worn by participants, to the ceremonial routines, to the way communities honour local legends and history.
Though details vary, the core purpose remains the same: celebrate heritage, community, and shared identity.
Plan to experience the Borders Common Riding
If you’re considering attending a Common Riding, here are some tips:
- Book early: Accommodation in Borders towns fills quickly during festival weeks.
- Check local schedules: Each town publishes its Common Riding calendar dates in advance.
- Participate respectfully: These are living traditions with deep meaning for locals.
- Explore beyond the festival: The Scottish Borders offer castles, rolling landscapes, our distillery, and walking trails that enrich any visit.
Final Thoughts
Borders Common Riding is unique among Scottish traditions. It is living history, community theatre, athletic celebration, and cultural pride all intertwined. Whether you’re researching for travel, local history, or cultural appreciation, understanding what the Borders Common Ridings are opens a window into the heart of the Scottish Borders.
Cheers to that!
FAQs
When is the hawick common riding 2026?
The finale of the Hawick Common Riding is on Friday 5th June 2026.
ARE ALL COMMON RIDINGS ON THE SAME DAY?
No, and you can check out Tweed Valley Blogger for a full timetable of Borders Common Riding events.
HOW CAN I TAKE PART?
There’s lots of ways to take part in the Borders Common Riding celebrations. Whether it’s attending a Rideout or going to the ball.
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