Hawick Reivers’ Festival offering up a packed programme of events

The 18th annual Hawick Reivers’ Festival returns on Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29, and locals and visitors alike will be whisked back to the mid 16th century, when violence was the order of the day and the Borderlands were an area of constant feuding.

Through music, drama and reenactments, families can be transported straight to the 300-year period when the English-Scottish Border was a lawless frontier of cattle rustling, feuding, murder, arson and pillaging.

Friday kicks off with the popular ghost walks and the committee are also delighted to welcome the Trio of McKerron, Brechin and O’Headhra who will present their own unique brand of traditional music in the Evergreen Hall.

Organiser Cath Elliot-Walker said: “With fiery tunes and beautiful songs from three of Scotland’s finest musicians this is an evening not to be missed The Scottish Trad trio draw on their years of experience and wealth of tunes and songs from the Scots and Gaelic traditions.

“They are each acclaimed composers in their own right and incorporate many of their own tunes and songs into their repertoire.

“They have delighted audiences in Scotland and abroad with their amazing musicianship and lively performances. “The committee very much hope that locals and visitors alike will turn out to support this excellent line up.”

The following day the main attractions are on the move with the market, featuring a host of stall holders from across the region, having found a new home in Drumlanrig Square.

The re-enactors will set up camp in the Moat Park, and Drumlanrig School will also be the venue for local primary school performances.

As ever, Saturday night sees the popular torchlight procession and fireworks followed by the Reivers’ banquet.

The kith and kin theme is to the fore on the Sunday with a series of lectures concluding with a Mosstrooper of Old-themed high tea.

Tickets, including those for the concert, £15, from ILF Imaging and Dorwards.