Chaotic scenes break out in Jedburgh as town welcomes return of handba'
Last updated 14th Mar 2023
Chaotic scenes are breaking out in the centre of Jedburgh, as the town welcomes the return of a centuries-old tradition.
Shops have been boarded up for this afternoon's handba' events - which sees the Uppies and Doonies go head-to-head.
The Jethart Ba', which looks like a game of street rugby, is believed to be derived from the game of football.
The Uppies - traditionally born above the Mercat Cross - score a hail when a ba' reaches the gates of the castle at the top of the town, and the Doonies - born below the Mercat Cross - score a hail when the ba' crosses the Skip Running burn at the foot of the town.
Crowds have gathered in the centre of Jedburgh to watch the action - including many bemused visitors passing through the town.
Marie Carroll, from the local branch of the Royal British Legion, hailed two balls - one in memory of the late Queen in the boys game, and another in the adults game, celebrating the new King.
She told Radio Borders: "I moved to Jedburgh 23 years ago, and when I drove down the High Street it looked like a ghost town on handba' day, seeing all the boards on the shops. And it was a bit daunting, because there were people running out your garden, and you thought: 'What are you doing?' And they shouted: 'It's handba'.'
Click on our link below to view some footage of the event...
"It's a really good tradition for the boys and the men. For me, it's good fun to watch them. As far as I'm aware, it was originally played with an Englishman's head which is now represented by the leather ball; and my husband's English.
"A lot of people come from outside of Jedburgh to come and watch, and it's good for business because people use the cafes for their takeaway teas and coffees when they're standing about in the street; kids get their juice and sweeties in the shops to rebuild their energy. It brings money into the town, and I hope it goes on for years and years."
The schoolkids competition started at midday, and the adults followed at 2pm.
Among those take part is Jedburgh rugby ace Lewis Young. He said: "It's just a bit of fun really, it's a Jethart tradition as well. I've popped down to see some old mates and that, and just get involved in."
When asked how it compares to playing on the pitch at the Riverside, he smiled: "It's very different. Obviously, there's a lot of guys just lying on the floor in front of us just now, whereas at the rugby I try to avoid all of that."
Jethart Handba' in pictures
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