IT’S just over a week until Souters will fill the town with cheers and celebrations for the first Selkirk Common Riding since 2019.
After two years of no in-person festivities due to the coronavirus pandemic, Selkirk’s standard bearers will once again be casting the colours and rejoicing with the town.
Royal Burgh Standard Bearer Adam Nichol, 27, will lead celebrations on June 17.
Before Common Riding Day, however, there are a couple of events for Souters to enjoy.
On Sunday (June 12) there is Show Sunday at The Haining with music provided by Selkirk Silver Band.
Then on June 16 it is the Nicht Afore the Morn at Selkirk Conservative Club where all are welcome for a sing-song from 9pm.
Also on Common Riding Day is the Selkirk Common Riding Race Meeting at the Rig. Entries close at 7pm on Saturday (June 11).
Friday, June 17 will then see the welcome return of Common Riding Day.
A morning full of events, starting from 4am and lasting until just after 11am.
The day’s time table is as follows:
4am – Rouse Parade, Flute Band preambles town wakening in turn the Provost and Royal Burgh Standard Bearer
5.30am – Act of Remembrance, Ex-Soldiers at War Memorial
6am – First Drum Silver Band play round the town
6.15am – Exiles’ Song ‘Her Bright Smile’ at County Hotel
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 ‘down 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.
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