Kirkcudbright

Today's the day …………………….. to ride the marches

A miserable, dreich day today - which actually suited us fine because we could justify staying in to watch today's exciting Individual Time Trial  Stage at Le Tour de France.

But it was also a bit miserable for the event that happened here this evening - the annual Riding of the Marches.  It is a ceremony to mark the outer limits of the town by riding around the boundaries on horseback.  Ridings  are mainly held at locations across the Scottish Borders, perhaps because this area suffered from centuries of raiding and reiving between local families and the English, and the locals needed to protect their lands from encroachment.

Kircudbright’s custom dates back to 1485, when the town was given Royal Burgh Status by a Charter of King James II, granting common land to the townsfolk. The Kings Messenger or Pursuivant  was met by a local cavalry officer and the pair rode around the boundaries of the land.  Today their ride is recreated annually and a cavalcade of over 100 horses and riders make the trip.

The riders tour all around town, with stops at hostelries for a welcome stirrup-cup, before speeches are made at Harbour Square ...……………...