Coldstream's Flodden ride brings Borders common riding season to a close

Sgt Bradley, Coldstream Gaurds with Stefan and Lord Purvis of Tweed.

Brilliant sunshine blessed the last, as it did the first, rideout of this year's Border common riding celebrations and commemorations, last week.

Just over three months after the first mounted cavalcade of the summer travelled behind the Hawick Cornet in blazing sunshine to Bonchester Bridge, many of those same followers did likewise behind Coldstreamer Stefan Home to Flodden on Thursday.

A cavalcade of 308 made the pilgrimage to Branxton Hill to commemorate those who died in the 1513 battle of Flodden for Coldstream Civic Week’s penultimate rideout, which for most of the Border principals, was their final rideout in office.

The oration was given by former MSP Jeremy Purvis, who said: “The list of orators before me reads as a cast of national leaders, local thinkers, landowners, land workers, stalwarts and statesmen,” said Lord Purvis.

Coldstream Guards fall out at the border.

“All have in common their love for the Borderland, a love enriched by the glory and tragedy of this land, of this soil, and here soaked in the blood of the Flowers of the Forest.

“As we celebrate the spirit of community we do with joy and a recognition of what this community means. Our community is not accidental, and my comments today look to a wider world and why what we hold dear and how we respect it is relevant way beyond this area, especially for young people and the future.”