Hawick Common Riding passes 'mainly without incident'
Last updated 12th Jun 2023
Police say this year's Hawick Common Riding has passed "mainly without incident".
Officers have praised the volunteers who gave up their time to help steward the event, adding there was "a great atmosphere" in town.
In a statement following the climax to the festivities at the weekend, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Community Officers in Hawick have been working hard to assist at Hawick Common Riding over the past six weeks, culminating with the main events over the weekend. These passed mainly without incident, with a great atmosphere in the town."
It says response officers and the Scottish Borders Community Action Team were also "required to assist".
But it adds: "Well done to all those volunteers who made these events possible, particularly head foot marshals George Linton (ride-outs) and Keith Johnstone (ceremonials) and their team of marshals who gave up their time throughout the festivities."
It's being reported elsewhere that the chief constable of Police Scotland has urged Hawick common riding to continue its efforts to be inclusive. According to the BBC, Sir Iain Livingstone welcomed the steps which had already been taken.
It adds the police chief highlighted the need for the festival to be "welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable for all."
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio outside St Leonard's Hut on Friday, Hawick's Provost Watson McAteer - who is also convener of Scottish Borders Council - said: "It's been a fantastic day, really helped by the weather. But the amount of town's people that are out supporting and watching, and taking part, has just been incredible.
"Last year was getting us back to normal (after Covid), this year has got really back to normal - it's fantastic. It's really great for the community, great for the whole town."
Local roofer Euan Robson led this year's festivities. One of the highlights of the event were the speeches in The Hut. When asked what the atmosphere was like inside, Councillor McAteer added: "It was electric this morning; a lot of emotion, people really reflecting on why they're there, reflecting on history, tradition. But recognising that we are moving forward into the future.
"It's great, they really are appreciative people who just love celebrating their Common Riding. And also having all the visitors from the other towns and communities here makes things special, so we're sharing it with everybody we don't just keep it to ourselves."
A look back at Hawick Common Riding in pictures
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/