Lauder is preparing for the best week of the year
Lauder is preparing for the most eagerly-anticipated week in the town’s calendar – Lauder Common Riding Week (Sunday, July 26 to Saturday, August 1).
With a packed programme of events for all ages, the week will bring together townspeople, families, visitors and former residents in celebration of Lauder’s history, traditions and strong community spirit.
This year’s celebrations are being led by Cornet and Standard Bearer Ellis Wilkinson, supported by his Right-Hand Man, Rhys Girling, and Left-Hand Man, Ryan Murray.
Ellis has followed the Common Riding from a young age and continues a proud family tradition, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, who served as Cornets in 1988 and 1989.
At his side throughout the summer is his Lass, Amy Morris, supported by Right-Hand Lass Jessica Donald and Left-Hand Lass Lara Tice.
Together, the six principals have represented Lauder at Common Ridings, festivals and civic events across the Borders, renewing friendships between towns and carrying Lauder’s traditions far beyond the Burgh.
Lauder Common Riding is one of the oldest such celebrations in the Scottish Borders, with its roots stretching back centuries.
At its heart is the annual Riding of the Marches, during which the Cornet leads a mounted cavalcade around the historic boundaries of the Royal and Ancient Burgh of Lauder.
On Common Riding morning, Chairperson Emma McNeill will introduce Cornet Wilkinson to the assembled crowd outside the Town Hall.
The Burgh Standard will then be entrusted to him by this year’s Lady Busser, Isabelle Young, before he leads the cavalcade around the Burgh and out on to Lauder Common.
The riders will pause at the Waterin’ Stane, where a toast will be raised to the Cornet, and the Ex-Cornets will gather to sing Bonnie Lauderdale.
From there, the cavalcade continues towards the Burgess Cairn, where the Cornet will inspect the historic landmark and place his own stone upon it before beginning the return to Lauder.
On reaching the town, the procession will stop at the War Memorial for a short act of remembrance.
Morven Dick, this year’s Wreath Presenter, will hand the wreath to Cornet Wilkinson, who will lay it on behalf of the town.
The Cornet will then return the Burgh Standard to the Town Hall “unsullied and untarnished”.
During the concluding ceremony, the Lady Busser will attach his colours to the Standard, creating a permanent record of his year as Lauder Cornet.
The 2026 celebrations will also recognise Silver Jubilee Cornet Ian Fallas and Diamond Jubilee Cornet David White, while remembering the late Sid Threadgall Sr and Sid Threadgall Jr in what would have been their Platinum and Golden Jubilee years.
Cornet Ellis Wilkinson and his Lass Amy Morris are ready to lead the town through a memorable week of ceremony, celebration and community participation.
Whether riding, volunteering, attending an event or supporting from the roadside, everyone is warmly invited to take part.
Safe Oot, Safe In!