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Selkirk Common Riding

At least 400 years old and stems back to the time of the “Burleymen”, Burgh Law men who had the task of ensuring no one was encroaching on the town‘s common lands.

The Selkirk Common Riding is cancelled for 2021. 

Selkirk Common Riding

History

In 1513, 80 men from Selkirk followed James IV into battle at Flodden. Only one, Fletcher, survived to return, weary and wounded but bearing a captured English flag which he raised aloft and then cast to the ground. The Flodden legend came to be associated with the Common Riding, with the Royal Standard Bearer as the central figure and the casting of the colours of the main ceremony. The town rises early to follow the band and witness the bussing of the Burgh Flag. The Riding of the Marches lasts about 4½ hours and the riders return to the Market Place for the solemn casting of the colours where various trades and corporations are represented. Celebrations continue onto the next day with horse racing, and professional games.

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Keep up to date

For more information on this event visit Facebook, contact The Selkirk Riding Trust by email or find out more about Selkirk here.

For those travelling from Edinburgh the Borders Railway can be used to Galashiels and then the X95 bus.  For all public transport options please visit Traveline Scotland.