THERE was plenty ‘Royal Blue with Gold running through’ in Hawick as the town held its annual Common Riding celebrations.

There were smiles all around as supporters lined the streets on for the celebrations event to watch Cornet Ali George perform his duties.

The festivities kicked off on just after six on a dreich Thursday morning with a ride by Towerdykeside to St Leonards, and on to the town’s racecourse. 

The group galloped their way back to Crumhaughhill for a brief pit stop, followed by a ride through Hawick High Street at 9am.

After a break during the day, the common riding was officially launched at 6pm by the Halberdiers and Drum and Fife Band who set off from Kirk Wynd.

Common Riding Friday commenced at 8am with a walk by the Cornet from the Town Hall to Tower Knowe with the flag.

The Cornet and his followers started their procession, with a ride through the archway from Lovel Court across Sandbed to Wilton.  

A wee while later at 9am, the main procession departed the town’s Central Square, travelling along the High Street and across to the Moor. 

Shortly after arriving, the cutting of the sod took place at the extremity of the marches at noon, before the Cornet and equestrian supporters were on the move once again, heading to St Leonard’s Park Racecourse on Hawick Town Moor.

Ali led the cavalcade comprising of his Right and Left-Hand Men, Acting Father, ex-cornets and ex-Acting Fathers past the winning post ahead of the start of the Drew Martin Trophy at one o’clock.

As the weather perked up into the afternoon, the group departed the racecourse, heading back along Crumhaughhill, Loan, Cheviot Road and Bright Street to Myreslawgreen. 

The cavalcade carried on to the Coble Pool where the Cornet marked the boundary, by carrying out the age-old tradition, dipping the flag staff into the Teviot three times.

The long day progressed into the evening with the Common Riding dinner and ball in the town hall at 7pm, with Friday’s festivities drawn to a close at midnight with the Cornet’s Reel.

The Common Riding continued on Saturday and in line with ancient tradition, dawn broke with a song and dance at the Mote, followed by additional ride-outs.