The Ridings is a tradition that dates back to the 1600s, where locals on horseback ride the town’s ancient boundaries to uphold historic land rights. Each year over 300 horses take part.

If you're up early, you’ll see rosette-wearing riders in Lauder’s colours, the Selkirk Silver Band leading the morning procession, and the town adorned with bunting.

Anyone can join the cavalcade on foot and take part in the Common Ridings – you don’t need to register and there’s no fee involved.  People come from all over the world each year to join in.

The morning’s programme is as follows:

• 7.00am – Cornet’s March
  From the Lauderdale Hotel to the Town Hall, led by the Selkirk Silver Band

• 7.30am – Riders Assemble
  Behind the Town Hall for the Presentation of the Burgh Standard

• 8.00am – The Ride Begins
  The Cornet leads the cavalcade around the parish

• 9.50am (approx) – Arrival at the Waterin’ Stane
  A short rest with refreshments

• 12.15pm (approx) – Arrival at the War Memorial
  A brief remembrance service

• 1.00pm – Concluding Ceremony
  Held at the Town Hall, including the Bussin’ of the Cornet’s Colours and formal presentations

Starting at 2pm, there’s also ‘Gig in the Rigg’ - live outdoor music, food vans and a pop-up bar,  to mark the close of the Common Ridings.

Lauder is a lovely Scottish Borders village. As well as the Ridings, you can also visit the Flat Cat Gallery to enjoy lunch or see some local art, pick up some food at the Spotty Dog Delicatessen, or have a drink at the Black Bull or the Golden Bannock.

3.00pm - Our private Sports Day/Highland Games at Thirlestane Castle, with a Pizza Pop-up.

Catch-up on the lawn, while competing in challenges like Welly-Wanging, Hammerschlagen, a Three-legged Race and a Haggis Hunt.

The pizzas will be free, but bring your own booze (or soft drinks), and we’ll have ice buckets on hand.

7.30pm - Post Games drinks in the Black Bull.

We have a space reserved, and will be providing some nibbles too.

(Note: while the Wedding day itself will be a child-free event (with the exception of international guests), children are very much welcome at the Wedding Eve Celebrations - so if you have relatives looking after young ones nearby, feel free to bring them all along).