Having a blast! Berwick teenager leads Riding of the Bounds on horse named Tank
Last updated 29th Apr 2023
It's one of the first big common riding events of the year.
Kieran Dodds is leading a cavalcade of horses on the annual Riding of the Bounds in Berwick today (Saturday).
The Chief Marshal is supported by three generations of his family - including mum, Gemma, who takes on the role as Right Hand Man.
The 19-year-old, who lives in Tweedmouth, was Mascot in 2018. But, he told Greatest Hits Radio, flying the flag for the town is a dream come true.
"It’s a huge honour and privilege to be selected as Chief Marshal for 2023," he smiled.
"What a fantastic year I have had as Right-hand man last year, although it was cut short at Duns main ride, falling off and breaking my leg.
"But that didn’t stop me, I carried on on foot supporting all the border towns and making some amazing friends along the way.
"The Riding of the Bounds has been my life since I was little. I was chosen as Mascot in 2018 and dreamt one day it would be me carrying my town's flag with all my family, friends and supporters cheering me on and now I am."
Today's event celebrates the history of the town, which has changed hands between England and Scotland 13 times over the years.
But it's changed days now, as Berwick Mayor Mike Greener, who handed Kieran the flag, stressed everyone's welcome.
"It's a great day for Berwick, and it's a great event to be involved in; it's a tradition that goes back a long time," he told us. "There are representatives from other border towns here as well, which is a great thing - it's bringing the border region together."
It's Julia Szoneberg's last year in the leading roles. This year's Left Hand Man led last year's festivities - the first since Covid. And revealed the memories will stay with her forever.
"As soon as this year's event comes to an end, we start planning for the next again.
"It's the community coming out on days like these that make it all worthwhile, and keeps the tradition alive."
Crowds braved a chilly start to line the Marygate and wave the riders off.
Among them is 13-year-old Eyemouth High School pupil Morgan Hunter, who is this year's Mascot. She added: "I would normally support the event anyway, but I was dreaming of doing this since I was five-years-old, so today it has come true for me."
Berwick Riding of the Bounds 2023 - in pictures
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