Whether you’re a Terie (a Hawick local) or a first-time visitor, the Hawick Common Riding is an unmissable spectacle in the annual festival calendar of this Scottish Borders town. The longest of the Common Ridings, the Hawick celebrations are truly iconic: With thrilling ride outs, deep-rooted local pride and dramatic storytelling, experiencing them will feel they like stepping into living history.

Leading up to the event, the Cornet – a local young man chosen to head up the festivities – embarks on a series of exhilarating ride outs with his supporters across local hills. At its heart, the Hawick Common Riding honours the daring capture of an English Flag at Hornshole in 1514 by the youths of the town, combining it with the ancient tradition of Riding the Marches to protect the town’s boundaries.

When is the Hawick Common Riding?

The Hawick Common Riding’s two main festival days take place every year on a Friday and Saturday in June. Exact dates vary, so please see our events calendar for further details. 

What to Expect: Main Events Schedule

As the longest of the Common Ridings, Hawick boasts a packed calendar of festivities and ride outs, starting weeks before the main festival days in June. During this time, the Cornet leads a number of chases, or gallops, across the local hills. Not all of them are accessible to spectators but key events are open to locals and visitors alike.

Throughout May: The Ride Outs Begin

In early May, the Cornet for the year is elected and invited to take up his role with an official ceremony. This marks the start of his duties and ride outs are then held every Tuesday and Saturday until the festival week. During these, the Cornet and his principals visit the surrounding villages.

2 Weeks To Go: The Mosspaul Ride Out

The Mosspaul Ride Out is one of the most iconic but also physically demanding events in the Hawick Common Riding calendar. It is a 24-mile round trip from Hawick to the remote Mosspaul near the border with Dumfries & Galloway. Deeply symbolic, the route takes riders across open moorland and rolling hills; a reminder of the town’s links to the rural landscapes.

Late May or Early June: Excitement Builds for Festival Week

It’s the week before the main festival, with Hawick’s streets and shops decorated in the town colours of blue and gold. During this time, the Cornet and Principals continue their ride outs, and the Cornet and Cornet’s Lass also pay homage to the youths of 1514 at the Hornshole Memorial.

Thursday: The First Cornet’s Chase

The first Cornet’s Chase takes the cavalcade up Nipknowes hill to St Leonard’s Farm. The ride culminates in the serving of a traditional refreshment of ‘Curds and Cream’ at the farm, and the singing of ‘Teribus’, a Border ballad written specifically for Hawick Common Riding. The festival has officially begun!

Hawick Common Riding Main Festival Days

The main festival days of Thursday, Friday and Saturday form the emotional and ceremonial heart of the Hawick Common Riding.

Thursday: The Colour Bussing Ceremony

Kicking off the main festival days of the Hawick Common Riding, Thursday sees the handover of the town’s flag to the Cornet.

One of the most visually striking ceremonies, the Colour Bussing, takes place in the evening at Hawick Town Hall. The Cornet’s Lass, accompanied by her Maids of Honour, ties blue and gold ribbons to the flag to signify love and support before battle. The Cornet and his supporters then proceed on a walk around the town centre to the 1514 Memorial, also known as ‘The Horse’, where they tie ribbons in tribute.

Friday: Common Riding Day
6am: Wake-up Call And ‘Snuffin’ Ceremony

The town is roused by the Drum and Fife Band, a call to gather at Tower Dykeside in the town centre. Here, one of Hawick’s more curious ceremonies is performed: ‘The Snuffin’. Snuff is dispensed from an old horned mull. Afterwards, spectators make their way to the local pubs for a customary taste of rum and milk.

8.30am: Grand Procession and Riding of the Marches

Principals and spectators gather once again, this time outside the Tower Hotel. The Cornet and his supporters mount their horses for a procession around Hawick. Then, flag held high, they make their way on to Nipknowes and St Leonard’s Farm once again to begin the Riding of the Marches. The route takes them to the furthest reaches of the common land. Here, the Cornet dismounts to ‘Cut the Sod’ an ancient custom that designates the boundary.

12.30pm: Horse Races

The cavalcade makes its way to the racecourse, where the Cornet rides the track. He then places the flag on the roof of the committee room and receives a riding crop as a keepsake. Following the races, the riders continue to Myreslawgreen. While the followers rest, the Principals make their way to Coble Pool in the River Teviot. The cornet dips the flag into the water three times, honouring the historic boundary.

4.30pm: Triumphant Return and Proclamation

The cavalcade reunites and makes its way back onto Millpath. On arrival, it is declared that the marches have been duly ridden, with no interference. An enthusiastic rendition of ‘Teribus’ concludes the event and the cavalcade returns to the Town Hall.

Evening: Common Riding Dinner and Ball

In the evening, the Cornet attends the Common Riding Dinner, where he is presented with the Cornet’s Medal to mark his service. After songs and a toast to the donor of the common land, celebrations continue at a ball with traditional reels and dancing. At midnight, the Principals gather for the Cornet’s Reel. As the new dawn breaks, the Cornet leads a walk to Mote Park for a final song and reel.

Saturday: Conclusion of the Festivities
9.30am: Morning Procession and Remembrance

To the sounds of the Drum and Fife Band, Principals and spectators once again assemble. The Cornet then leads the cavalcade on a procession to Wilton Lodge Park, where riders stand in their stirrups for a rendition of ‘Teribus’. Afterwards, they lay wreaths at the town’s war memorial.

12pm: Horse Races on Hawick Moor

From the park, the cavalcade heads onto Hawick Moor for a series of horse races. The thrilling spectacle is a great opportunities for spectators to see the horses and riders in action.

4.30pm: Return of the Flag

The duties of the Cornet conclude when he dutifully returns the flag to the Council Chambers. The Honorary Provost accepts the flag, thanking the Cornet for his exemplary conduct. The flag is then displayed on the balcony of the Council Chambers to the tune of the ‘Invocation’ and riders stand one final time in their stirrups to show their respect.

Unique Local Traditions 

Hawick’s Common Riding celebrations are the longest celebrations of their kind. But there is more that makes the celebrations unique. Choosing the dates each year is an intricate process: Common Riding Saturday always falls on the first Saturday after the first Monday in June. This then dictates the timing of all other celebrations.

Similarly to other towns, Hawick’s celebrations centre around tales of local bravery and pride. But the remembrance of the Battle of Hornshole also highlights the devastating impact of the Battle of Flodden on the community. It is said only youths were left in Hawick after this historic event, making their victory over the raiders and the capture of the English flag all the more significant.

Hawick can also lay claim to some unique local refreshments during the Common Riding. The dish of ‘Curds and Cream’ offered to riders at multiple stages is indeed a mix of cheese curds and cream. It is not recommended that visitors attempt the recreation of the traditional ‘Rum and Milk‘ at home. The Hawick recipe requires a special high sugar rum to achieve the signature taste and avoid the curdling of the milk.

Best Viewing Spots and Spectator Access

There are multiple opportunities to catch the action. For the most important events of the Hawick Common Riding, these are the best spots to watch:

  • Mosspaul Ride Out: The Mair or 1st Pilmuir field, fording the Allan Water river.
  • First Cornet’s Chase: Head to Hawick Golf Course for a good view of the cavalcade galloping across the local landscape.
  • The Horse: It’s hard to miss Hawick’s Horse sculpture in the town centre. It is a key location to watch Friday’s Grand procession (8:30am).
The Hawick Cornet holds the flag flanked by right hand man and left hand man, come over the Tower Knowe on Friday afternoon, part of the Common Riding celebrations.

Ride Outs in the Lead Up

Leading up to the main festival days, Hawick hosts ride outs that are more informal but just as captivating. These offer a chance to enjoy the scenic views, explore the area with family and friends, and support the build-up to the main Common Riding days.

Hawick Ride Outs

With a packed calendar of ride outs, it is recommended to consult the official timetable for all events. Here are some highlights:

  • Bonchester ride out  
  • Mosspaul ride out 
  • Liliesleaf ride out  
  • Denholm Ride out  
Top Tips for Ride Outs

Bring cash: Many locations are cash only for parking and refreshments
Listen to marshals and respect land access. Stay behind ropes in designated areas, and do not interrupt the cavalcade.
Buy the official brochure: It provides route maps, schedules and is a great way to support the event