What’s on this June

Which of our many events will entice you to visit the South of Scotland this June? Will it be the equine spectacle of the Common Ridings across the region? Or the collection of famous authors, comedians and journalist in conversations in Melrose? Perhaps you’ll spend a day on the lawns of Thirlestane Castle picnicking and marvelling at the vintage cars on show. An abundance of choice awaits you this June – be sure to check out all the events this month!

Celebrate Scottish history – and horses

The history of the Common Ridings dates back centuries when boundaries were regularly ridden to ensure no incursions were made into territories. Today it is ceremonial and attracts spectators from around the world to see the recreation of these ride outs. Known as Common Ridings in the Borders and Riding the Marches in Dumfries and Galloway, each town has its own particular festival around the ceremony. Hawick by tradition is the first of the season followed by Selkirk, Melrose, Peebles, Dumfries and Galashiels before the month’s end. There are plenty of local activities throughout the week giving visitors a real sense of the place and its people. There will even be an evening celebrating horses in poetry at Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom in Selkirk.

Dive further into the history of the Border Reivers to understand just why maintaining the territory boundaries was so vital. The Teviotdale Steel Bonnets will be at Gilnockie Tower and will bring history to life with their authentic encampment, weapon demonstrations, and captivating tales of the 16th-century frontier.

Perfect for motor enthusiasts

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the BVAC Classic Festival of Motoring, the premier classic car show in Scotland. Once again it is being held at Thirlestane Castle and will attract over 1,000 classic and vintage cars of all models and styles, plus motorcycle and military vehicle displays. The day is a super family friendly event with live rally action, arena stunt shows, pipe band displays and a children’s play area, combined with plenty of retail, food and drink exhibitors. Thirlestane Castle is open for free-flow tours during the day.

And if you like a bit more speed, don’t miss the exhibition at The Jim Clark Museum in Duns, featuring 1965: The Greatest Season. This celebrates the single racing season where Scottish driver Jim Clark piloted 8 different types of Lotus on 34 tracks across 5 continents. He came first in 23 individual races and even drove on two continents in the same weekend! There will also be special events during a weekend to celebrate this 60th anniversay of this Jim Clark’s greatest season.

Great for bookworms

Four days of all things books are a huge draw to Melrose in the middle of the month for the Borders Book Festival. Authors, comedians, broadcasters, journalists and politicians are in abundance in a packed programme offering something for everyone. There is a children’s programme over the weekend and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

Later in the month celebrate Independent Book Shop week at Heron & WIllow in Jedburgh with the couple behind Ambrose Parry and their latest book. Author Chris Brookmyre and his wife, Dr Marisa Haetzman, write under the pseudonym of Ambrose Parry. They will be in conversation about the fifth and final installment of their historical mystery series featuring Raven & Fisher.

Ideas for culture vultures

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra will be performing works by Schubert and Mozart in Hawick Town Hall while an outdoor performance of Little Women is happening at the Swallow Theatre. Eddi Reader is performing live in Kelso and with 10 critically acclaimed solo albums, 3 BRIT awards, a #1 single and an MBE in tow, Eddi is certain to delight her audience.

Excellent new temporary exhibitions are on offer at several of the region’s museums. Opening mid-month and offering a journey through history is the Old Gala Club’s latest exhibition, exploring the rich and fascinating development of the Galashiels railway from the 1800s to the present day. At the Coldstream Museum, Drawn to a Still Life, showcases how two artists can take very different approaches in featuring everyday objects on a canvas. And in Peebles, some of Tweeddale’s Treasures are on display with more than 2,000 silver coins, an engraved sword from a battle in 1725 and a wooden shrine reported to have been carved from part of Noah’s Ark!

Inspired to come and stay? Here’s some accommodation ideas…

Blog
Rural Escapes in the South of Scotland
Blog
Camping delights in the South of Scotland
Blog
Luxurious stays in Southern Scotland