Lauder is one of the original five Border Common Ridings, with references to the festival dating back to the 1600s. The Common Riding was discontinued in the mid 1800s before being reinstated in 1911. 

Since then it’s gone from strength to strength and is now a firm fixture on the Lauderdale calendar.

The Riding of the Marches (boundaries) points to a time when the Burgh Lands were not enclosed, and was a serious business – failure to attend could result in a fine of 5/- in the early 19th century. 

When is the Common Riding?

The main ceremonial day is held on the 1st Saturday in August, for dates please see our events calendar.

What to Expect: Ceremonial Day Schedule

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7.00 am: Cornet’s March led by the Selkirk Silver Band

Leaving the Lauderdale Hotel and marching to the Town Hall

7.30 am: Riders assemble behind the Town Hall

Riders assemble behind the Town Hall from 7.30 am, with the Cornet being presented with the Standard and beginning the ride at 8am.  The silver band then leads the ride around the Burgh as the rideout gets underway.

8.00 am: Presentation of the Burgh Standard to the Cornet by the Lady Busser

Cornet leads the Cavalcade round the Burgh. The riders go from the Town Hall along Market Place and West High Street (towards the Lauderdale Hotel) before looping around The Loan and the War Memorial and heading down The Row. The ride proceeds along Castle Wynd, coming out onto East High Street and then heading past the Church, up Mill Wynd leaving the town via the road to Galashiels. 

9.50 am: Riders Arrive at the Waterin’ Stane

The ride heads across the Common towards the Waterin’ Stane which is on the B6362 Stow Road. 

When the ride leaves the Waterin’ Stane they gallop to the Burgess Cairn – this is another impressive site as the Cornet, with the Standard, gallops along the skyline (as seen from the Waterin’ Stane itself).

​Lauder beforeThe ride continues over the heather towards Lauder, before the final – and somewhat notorious! – gallop around Stirk Hill (alongside the Whitlaw Road, just beyond the fire station). 

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12.15 pm: Riders Arrive at the War Memorial

Memorial Service, wreath presented to the Cornet. The cavalcade returns to Lauder via Whitlaw Road and Edinburgh Road (led by the band once again), before halting at the War Memorial for the presentation of the wreath and a short memorial service.

13.00 pm: Concluding Ceremony, Town Hall

The final stage is for the ride to head back to the Town Hall down West High Street, lead by the band and dancing crowds.  The Cornet will then return the standard, bringing the ride to a close with the bussin’ of Cornet’s Colours by Lady Busser and Presentations.

14.00 pm: Gig on the Rigg

Public Park

Unique Local Traditions 

At intervals in the ride the Burgess Roll was called, and stones were carried in the pockets of the riders to be deposited at various cairns or landmarks on the route – this is a tradition still upheld by the Cornet today when he adds a stone to the last remaining original cairn, now known as the Burgess Cairn, high above the road from Lauder to Stow.

Best Viewing Spots and Spectator Access

Want to catch the action? On the main day of the Lauder Common Riding, these are the best spots to watch:

  • From Galashiels Rd the ride turns on Lauder Golf Course, where the Cornet leads the first gallop.  A popular point for watching the ride and is an impressive spectacle.
  • The Waterin’ Stane, the rideout pauses here for refreshments; toasts are drunk and songs are sung. Spectators can drive up from Lauder and stewards will direct you to parking on the hill. 
  • As the ride leaves the Waterin’ Stane they gallop to the Burgess Cairn, the Cornet, with the Standard, gallops along the skyline (as seen from the Waterin’ Stane itself).
  • The ride heads back into town by the Edinburgh Road (led by the band once again) before halting at the War Memorial for the presentation of the wreath and a short memorial service.
  • Get ready to dance! The ride heads to the Town Hall down West High Street, led by the band and dancing crowds.

Ride Outs in the Lead Up

In many towns, ride outs take place in the weeks leading up to the main ceremonial day or week. These offer a more relaxed but equally stunning way to see the horses and riders in action, as routes often include local beauty spots. These less formal events offer a chance to enjoy the scenic views, picnic with family and friends, and support the build-up to the main events.

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Top Tips for Ride Outs

Bring cash: Many locations are cash only for parking and refreshments

Listen to marshals and respect land access

Buy the official brochure: It provides route maps, schedules and is a great way to support the event

Lauder Ride Outs
  • Threepwood
  • Apprentice Ride
  • Prelim Ride Out