Hawick Common Riding - Returning the Flag

After the wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial on Saturday, the horsemen proceed in procession round the town. Once again they ride up the Loan and on to the Moor. At the race course there is another programme of horse racing. Large crowds of tired but happy people enjoy their picnics once more as they watch the races.

In the afternoon, after the races, the supporters follow the Cornet back to Hawick for the last time. They ride via Crumhaughhill to the Town Hall to return the Flag to the Provost.

Returning the Flag is a very formal ceremony. It takes place in the Council Chambers out of sight of the crowds who are waiting in the street outside. The Provost, magistrates and councillors are gathered to await the flag. The Lasses and the parents of the Principals are also present.

The Cornet enters the Chambers carrying the Flag accompanied by the Right and Left-Hand Men. He asks the Provost to accept the return of the Flag. The Provost accepts the Flag and congratulates the Cornet on his conduct during the past weeks. He also thanks him for the satisfactory way he has carried out his duties. The “meiths and marches” have again been ridden as for “ hundredths of years past “ and the “emblem grand “ which went “safe oot” to the farthest part of the “commonty” is now “ safe in” “with its honour “ unsullied and unstained “.

The Provost then asks the Cornet to handle the Flag for the last time. The Cornet takes the Flag and displays it from the balcony of the Town Hall overlooking the High Street. The Saxhorn Band plays a sad hymn-like tune known as “The Invocation”. The Cornet lowers the Flag and the mounted supporters stand in their stirrups as if to attention. Many a tear is shed as the end of another Common-Riding is reached