Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 12 on 19/1/2004.

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Bordering on the magnificant

Many looking north from Edinburgh and Glasgow miss out on the areas bordering England. What a shame, says Steve Newman

Most people think of Scotland as the mountains and lochs of the Highlands but the Borders have a magic and fascination all of their own.

This is partially due to the fierce conflicts that raged over the area for over 500 years as England and Scottish armies and clans shed blood at the slightest excuse.

The battles of those days where mounted raiders clashed in the river valleys and on the hill tops are remembered from May to September when virtually every town has some form of common riding that can include cavalcades of more than 250 riders following the standard of the burgh or town over a traditional route.

The town of Melrose, for example, where you’ll find Robert the Bruce’s heart buried in the abbey, has one of the largest ‘ride outs’.

Like some of the larger Border towns Melrose’s festivities last for a week with various events and rides going on.

The chief rider in each town has his own title and in Melrose he’s called ‘The Melrosian”

I sat on the banks of the River Tweed and watched this year’s Melrosian Jamie Murray lead 178 riders across the river with the water splashing up to legs of riders whose ages varied from as young as six to as old as 75.

“Awesome” reflected the 22 year old after being in the van of the riders.

“ To be Melrosian is a true pinnacle.” Jamie told the gathering at his installation “ I will never forget this.”

Melrose is not the oldest of the common ridings - that honour goes to Berwick-upon-Tweed - but it is one of the most revealin.....

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By Steve Newman

Section : Regional Focus

Page number : 46