Border Telegraph | News | Relief for festivals as civil action fails

Wednesday, 19th November, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 9th August, 2006 12:43

Relief for festivals as civil action fails

By Border Telegraph Newsroom

A COMPENSATION claim that could have broke the bank of a Borders festival has failed.

Lauder Common Riding’s committee was informed in the run up to last weekend’s festival that the legal challenge against them won’t proceed.

The potentially crippling lawsuit was filed after a young rider was injured during the 2003 rideout.

And for the past three years the civil action against the Common Riding’s insurers has been in the hands of the courts.

Malcolm Johnston, chairman of Launder Common Riding Committee, told the Border Telegraph: “This hopefully sends out a message to everyone taking part in rideouts – they do so at their own risk.

“It is a huge relief for everyone involved at Lauder Common Riding. You just never know how these will turn out and this has been hanging over us for almost three years.

“There is the financial implications where insurance rates could have gone through the roof if this had been successful and other riders taking out similar claims. We are all just pleased it hasn’t come to that.”

The legal action brought against Lauder almost led to the committee cancelling the following year’s rideout.

Only a last-minute reprieve allowed the ride to go ahead.

And other festival committees across the Borders had to increase their personal injury and legal liability insurance cover in case of similar claims – more than doubling the already hefty premiums.

Disclaimers were published on all festival brochures.

Riders were advised to take out their own insurance and forced to wear appropriate safety gear while taking part.

Alan Douglas, chairman of Selkirk Common Riding Trust, told us: “If this claim had been successful it would have been disastrous for every common riding and festival committee in the Borders.

“We are doing everything we can already, but if this had been successful it could have led to a whole lot of similar claims. I’m sure it’s a relief for Lauder, as it will be for every committee.”

On top of the good news from the courtroom, Lauder was also rewarded with a record crowd and a record number of riders on Saturday.

Malcolm Johnston added: “It would be fair to say this is probably our most successful year.”

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