Hawick Common Riding

The Cornet, along with his Right and Left, pays a tribute to his centuries old predecessor at the Lest We Forget Memorial at Hornshole illustrated here. On their return from the ride-out which takes place on the Saturday before Common-Riding week, they sing “Teribus” and stand in their stirrups as if to attention.

The Common-Riding week begins on the Sunday morning. This is when the Kirkin' o' the Cornet takes place. The Cornet is accompanied by his Right and Left-Hand Men and the Acting Father, all in formal dress, and the supporters on foot. They walk in a procession called the Cornet's Church Parade. They walk through the town from the Council Chambers to a church. The church used is the one at which the Cornet is a member. Here they attend a service with the Lasses and also the Provost's Council. During the service the custom of Kirking the Cornet is performed. The Cornet is presented with a Bible. From the service the Lasses, also in formal dress, join the four principals. Together they walk back to a local hotel for lunch.

The Cornet's Lass, accompanied by the Right and Left-Hand Lasses, also pay a tribute to the youths of the Hornshole battle. They lay wreaths at the Lest We Forget Memorial at Hornshole. This ceremony takes place on the Sunday of the Kirking ceremony in the afternoon.

One of the ceremonies which comes at the end of Common-Riding week is the laying of the wreath at the War Memorial on the Saturday morning. The people are again roused by the Drum and Fife Band. The Band marches round the town. By 9.30 am. the riders are once more saddled and bridled for a procession similar to the one on Friday. This time, however, they ride to Wilton Lodge Park. In the avenue close to the Laurie Bridge the riders halt. The four principals, standing in their stirrups, each in turn sing verses of “Teribus” with spectators joining in the chorus.

From here they proceed to the Museum. Here the Lasses, the Common-Riding Committee members and a crowd of townspeople wait to see the Cornet, Right and Left-Hand Men lay wreaths on the War Memorial. While this happens the Acting Father holds the flag in a lowered position. In this way the Principals pay a tribute, on behalf of the people, to those men of Hawick who died in the World Wars.