TRAVEL TIP JUNE-JULY 2013 – SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM – RIDING OF THE MARCHES “Riding the Marches”, or “Common Riding” is a practice that dates back to the 14th Century. During this time, the Scottish border towns were caught in a constant state of feud with their raiding neighbours and were at war with the English. It was the practice of the local lords to appoint a young townsperson and skilled rider to go out “riding the marches”, to ensure that burial sites had not been tampered with and there were no invading armies lurking in the heather. Each town has its own traditions in this regard and with the exception of the world wars, they are traditions that have been faithfully upheld since records began in 1701. The Scottish borders are a good deal safer now, the bandits and cattle-thieves having long since been driven off. But the tradition of Riding the Marches continues, if only as an excuse for an excellent party in each of the cities, all of whom have very different ways of going about things. The principal rider is usually selected from the fine young men of the town, either through committee, lottery or popular vote. As well as riding, traditional music, games and markets, each city puts a different spin on things. In Langholm, for example, the primary rider is known as the Cornet, and has a range of duties, including bearing the local flag and presiding over a number of ancient local traditions such as ‘Colour Bussing’ and ‘Cutting the Sod’. Over in Selkirk, the chief rider is known as the Standard Bearer and is accompanied by between three and four hundred other riders, making it one of the best-attended Ridings in the country. There’s a lot on offer. You can dine on ‘soordook’ in Hawick, witness the ‘Whipman Play’ games in West Linton and still be in Lauder in time for the ‘Kirkin’ of the Cornet’. In fact, the only list longer than the list of attractions, events, gatherings and spectacles that go on at this time of year is the list translating the traditional Scottish names for these events into English! You can share all the history, excitement and spectacle with your friends and family at home with a Telestial international SIM card. With rates for calling at just $0.39 per minute and $0.39 per MB for data, we think you’ll find our SIM fits together with your trip like a sporran fits with a kilt.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:48:30 +0000
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