So it was that communities across the Borders have marked Hand Ba’ in a truncated and socially distanced way.
The annual games would normally witness Hobkirk, Jedburgh, Ancrum and Denholm cleared as uppies and doonies smuggle, throw and carry leather ba’s through the streets.
That culminates in the largest games on the streets of Jedburgh. Evidently, given the current lockdown, none of that was possible this year. But traditionalists still took part in symbolic Ba’ events. Go to facebook.com/TheSouthernReporter/ for more images.
1. HOBKIRK
Willie Donald and Henry Dougas keep Hobkirk's Hand Ba tradition going. Photo: Bill McBurnie
2. ANCRUM
Lynsey, Rowan, Ruari and Ross Heard at Ancrum keeping the Hand Ba' Tradition going. Photo: Bill McBurnie
3. ANCRUM
Ian and Grandson Ruari Heard hailing the Ba at Ancrum for the uppies. Photo: Bill McBurnie
4. DENHOLM
Hand Ba Stalwart 'Beak' Crawford puts up a Ba on Denholm Green to keep the tradition and recognise our frontline workers, with 'uppies' Alan Cook and John Johnstone. Photo: Bill McBurnie