IT is just over a week until Souters will fill the town with cheers and celebrations for Selkirk Common Riding.

Selkirk’s Standard Bearers will once again be casting the colours and rejoicing with the town.

Royal Burgh Standard Bearer Mathew Stanners will lead celebrations on June 14.

Before and after Common Riding Day, however, there are a couple of events for Souters to enjoy.

On Sunday (June 9) from 2-4pm Show Sunday returns at Victoria Hall with music provided by Selkirk Silver Band, Selkirk Pipe Band, and Selkirk Flute Band.

Friday, June 14, will then see the welcome return of Common Riding Day – a morning full of events, starting from 4am and lasting until just after 11am.

Also on Common Riding Day is the Selkirk Common Riding Race Meeting at Gala Rig from 2pm

Then on Saturday, June 15, Selkirk Common Riding Gymkhana makes its return.

Running from 9.30am at Philiphaugh Rugby and Cricket grounds, classes will include: Dressage, Games, Handy Pony, Showing, Working Hunter, Former Racehorse, and Handy Pony.

COMMON RIDING DAY TIMETABLE IS AS FOLLOWS:

  • 4am – Rouse Parade, Flute Band preambles town waking in turn the Provost and Royal Burgh Standard Bearer
  • 5.30am – Act of Remembrance, Ex-servicemen at War Memorial
  • 6am – First Drum, Silver Band play round the town
  • 6.30am – Foot Procession arrives at Victoria Halls, riders assemble in Back Row
  • 6.45am – Installation of Standard Bearer and Bussin’ of Royal Burgh Flag on balcony of Victoria Hall
  • 6.55am – Procession Forms and marches to Market Place
  • 7am – Second Drum, procession moves off ‘Doon the Green’
  • 7.30am – Riders ford River Ettrick
  • 7.45am – Riders in Linglie Glen
  • 8.45am – Riders at Summit of Three Brethren
  • 9am – Procession re-forms in Market Place and leaves for Shawburn Toll
  • 9.20am – At the Toll, community singing led by bands until 9.40am (approx.), coming in off the Burley and riders return
  • 10.15am (approx.) – Procession re-forms again and returns to Market Place via Bleachfield Road and High Street
  • 11am (approx) – Casting of the Colours
  • 11.10am (approx.) – Two Minutes Silence
  • 11.15am (approx.) – Return of the Burgh Flag “unsullied and untarnished” and end of ceremonial

For more information about the Common Riding and events, visit the Selkirk Common Riding Facebook page.