Selkirk Common Riding confirms cancellation of 2020 event

All but one of the region’s traditional festivals and common ridings have now been cancelled due to the ongoing isolation measures in place to fight the spread of Covid-19.
By Kathryn
Published 23rd Mar 2020, 17:41 BST
The casting of the colours last year.The casting of the colours last year.
The casting of the colours last year.

That’s the situation following the abandonment of this June’s Selkirk Common Riding, announced last night.

The event, the second common riding in the summer calendar, was due to take place the second week in June, but this year’s Royal Burgh Standard Bearer and his four attendants, will have to wait another year to enjoy their time in the saddle.

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Selkirk Common Riding clerk Johnnie Thomson said: “The Borderland, over the centuries, has prevailed through war and pestilence and yet here in 2020 we have another battle on our hands.

“There must be no doubt that the proven grit and determination of the Border spirit thoughout history will not surrender easily to this latest challenge.

“Our cherished traditions - our heritage - demands that we plan with force and determination of mind to bounce back next year with even more vigour than before.”
He added that while there might be a chance later on in the years for a “extremely curtailed” event, that won’t be decided until at least three months from now.

The celebrations in Selkirk, which is at least 400 years old, commemorate the day in 1513 when Fletcher returned to the town, the only surviving Souter from Battle of Flodden.

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The event’s cancellation follows that of every other upcoming festival, except Lauder Common Riding.

Organisers there are yet to make a decision on whether the August event, the last in the central Borders, will go ahead.

More here: https://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-forces-cancellation-two-more-borders-festivals-galashiels-and-innerleithen-2502777?amp

https://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/news/people/coronavirus-forces-cancellation-hawick-common-riding-and-kelso-civic-week-2503174

Related topics:Covid-19SelkirkOrganisers