Selkirk Common Riding

It is said there are no Spectators at Selkirk Common Riding only participants.

Selkirk lay’s claim to being the oldest of the Border Common Ridings where Selkirk’s inhabitants known as Souters , Exiles and many visitors return to Selkirk each year from all over the world to witness and take part in one of the area’s most iconic , historic and colorful events as hundreds of horses and thousands of people gather in the Royal Burgh of Selkirk for her Common Riding.

Selkirk Common Riding has many features be it the towns fantastic bands and their music leading the towns Ancient Crafts and Association Flags throughout the town, The Riding of the Marches in which many riders led by the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer , make their way round the boundaries of Selkirk’s Burgh Lands over the ancient north common to the Stone Cairns of the three Brethren , which signifies the joining of the Three Estates of Yair , Selkirk and Buccleuch.

When is the Selkirk Common Riding?

Selkirk Common Riding is on the Second Friday after the first Monday in June each year.

What to Expect: Ceremonial Day Schedule

4.00 am: Rouse Parade

The Selkirk Flute Band preambles the town, waking in turn the provost and standard bearer.

5.30 am: Act of Remembrance

Ex-Servicemen gather at Selkirk War Memorial

6.00 am: First Drum & Exiles Song

Selkirk Silver Band play around the town, stopping at The County Hotel to sing ‘Her Bright Smile’

6.30 am: Foot Procession to Installation of Standard Bearer

The standard bearer and riders assemble in the Back Row. Installation of the standard bearer and Bussin’ of the royal burgh flag on the balcony of Victoria Halls. The procession forms and marches to Market Place

7:00 am: Second Drum

The procession moves off ‘Doon the Green’, the band leads everyone to the river

7:30 am Riders ford the Ettrick River

A popular place to watch the riders, you can follow the band and horses on foot. On quieter days otters can be seen hunting in this spot!

8:45 am: Riders at the summit of the Three Brethren

The iconic 3 Brethren boundary cairns sit high above Selkirk. If you want to watch the riders up here, you will have to leave town at least an hour and a half before the horses. It is approx a 3-mile walk with 1100 ft of climbing; you should be a fit hill walker and wear sturdy walking shoes or boots.

9:40 am: Coming in of the Burley and Riders Return

The Burley is the Souter word for ‘procession’ or ‘cavalcade’.

The riders canter up the hill back into town from the toll back to the top of the hill. Only the principle rders go back into the marketplace.

10:15 am: Procession re-forms

Returns to the marketplace via Bleachfield Road and High Street

11.00am: Casting of the colours

Unique Local Traditions

The Casting of the Colours – The spectacular closing event of the ceremonial part of Selkirk Common Riding around about 11am. It symbolises the lone survivor of Flodden from Selkirk called Fletcher, who cast the flag round his head to show the 80 men who had gone to the battle of Flodden in 1513 had all perished. Along with their King James IV, the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer and the Standard Bearers of the local crafts and associations all cast their flags.

Best Viewing Spots and Spectator Access

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

The best way to see it is to walk the route with the procession. That way you are taken to the best points to watch. If you are in Selkirk Market Place at 6am the band will lead you to all the key points. Then again at 9am in the Market Place.

Fording of the Ettrick river at Lindean

Summit of the Three Brethren, you will have to leave town at least an hour and a half before the horses. It is approx a 3-mile walk with 1100 ft of climbing; you should be a fit hillwalker and wear sturdy walking shoes or boots.