Selkirk set to spend thousands on event insurance, despite common riding being cancelled

2018 standard bearer Peter Forrest casts the burgh flag during that year's common riding Friday festivites.

The trust has launched a fundraising appeal for £5,000 to cover its expenses this year and to help with any extra expenses for future years, post Covid-19.

Writing on the gofundme.com appeal page, trust member and Scottish Borders councillor Caroline Cochrane said: “As you will not doubt appreciate the administration costs of Selkirk Common Riding continue to increase annually and for this reason we respectfully appeal to the kindness and generosity of the people of Selkirk and the wider community.

“The upholding of the historic traditions of Selkirk Common Riding and all associated ceremonial aspects is exclusively the responsibility of the Selkirk Common Riding Trust.

“Any monies raised by this appeal will be solely directed to the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred in observing and protecting our valuable heritage.

“As members of Selkirk Common Riding Trust we are conscious that there is a weight of responsibility placed upon us to serve the Royal and Ancient Burgh of Selkirk to the very best of our ability and we can only achieve this with your commitment and generosity.

“As a member of the common riding trust, I am collecting donations on their behalf and will be transferring to my own personal account before forwarding onto the trust.”

The Southern asked Ms Cochrane what the expenses were for, given that, like other common ridings and gatherings, it has been cancelled for 2020 due to fears over the coronavirus outbreak.

She said: “The main expense is insurance ... it is very difficult to get this for that type of event and the trust does not want to jeopardise future years by not paying it.

“It costs roughly £2k per year.”

She added: “I just put the appeal at the same level as last year.

“Any extra will help with future years’ expenses.

“Unfortunately, there are rising costs each year and who knows what sort of special legislation will now be needed to be put in place.”

It’s yet to be seen if Souters will raise the full target amount.

The appeal has so far gained £150 of its £5,000 target.

If anyone wishes to donate to the cause, they can click here.