Common Riding

There are more horses per head of population in the Borders than anywhere else in Britain.

The Common Riding is a tradition in each town (Kelso, Hawick, Lauder, Melrose, Galashiels, Selkirk) going back hundreds of years where the men would annually ride the boundaries of their "common land".

This tradition is unique to the Borders due to the bloody history with England and it is a tradition that to this day has a rivalry with the towns, but also creates a close bonding link.

The ridings today are a weeklong festive celebration with all the town folk watching the horses going out, street parades and other festivities - if you can do not miss this!