Annan Riding of the Marches is one of the largest and oldest historic traditional ceremonies in South West Scotland dating back almost 700 years. Today, a fortnight of cultural, ceremonial and community events take place in late June and early July with the culmination being the the ‘First Saturday in July’ – Marches Day.
On that morning as the Annan Town Clock chimes 8-o-clock the Annan Cornet and his Lass lead a cavalcade of riders from across Scotland and Northern England out of the town and round the burgh boundaries with the traditional words “Safe Oot, Safe In” ringing in their ears. A variety of traditonal re-enactments take place throughout the morning with hundreds of local people and visitors from all corners of the globe filling vantage points to witness the spectacle.
A large procession of horses, riders, bands and fancy dressed vehicles and floats takes place in the afternoon the quality of which grows year-on-year. Then following this an afternoon of entertainment takes place in the town free for the whole community and incorporates the Annan Pipeband Championship where between 15 and 25 bands compete.
The fortnight of events comes to a close in the evening on Marches day when the Cornet hands back the Burgh Standard and the grand finale, the gatherting of the Massed Pipe Bands takes place on Annan High Street. Pipebands from across Scotland, the North of England and sometimes further afield come together as one – a sight to behold and one that is envied by many Border Towns.
The Principals are the living standard-bearers of Annan’s spirit, galloping across history’s fields, keeping watch not over walls, but over memories, pride, and kinship.
Over time, the ride and festival grew to involve symbolic leaders, chosen from among the local townspeople. The idea of ‘Principals’ was to embody the spirit of leadership, honour, and community representation.
As the need for physical boundary checking diminished, the festival needed ceremonial and civic anchors to maintain its excitement and meaning. Having Principals gave townsfolk figures to rally behind, create narratives around, and hand down traditions. It also formalised the community’s values: honour, loyalty, youth, vitality, and historical memory.
The Cornet is essentially the chief rider and standard bearer of the event. Historically, he would lead the marchers and riders and symbolically defend the town’s honour. “Cornet” comes from the old military term for a junior officer who carried a troop’s flag.
Introduced later as a partner or consort to the Cornet. She plays a supportive, celebratory role, representing the community’s youth, grace, and commitment. In modern times, her role is often just as prominent during festivities, dances, and civic functions.
A more recent addition (generally a 20th-century phenomenon) inspired by pageantry traditions. The Queen symbolises peace and the enduring spirit of the Borders community rather than martial or territorial defence. Typically crowned during the festival, she presides over events and delivers addresses to the town.
Sometimes a distinct role, especially when ceremonial duties are too great for the Cornet alone. They bear and protect the town standard (flag) throughout the events. The Standard Bearer will also often lead parts of the riding, attend religious services, and officiate at key ceremonies.
“Riding the Marches” stems from medieval times when the Scottish towns, particularly near the Borders, had to physically check (or “ride”) their land boundaries to protect against encroachment and disputes. Nowadays, we associate the word “Riding” with horses. It’s an understandable mistake because more often than not, it has been the historic custom throughout the Borders to use horses while inspecting the many miles over rough land and sea which constitute a town’s boundaries.
In Annan and similar towns, this evolved into an annual ceremonial event rather than a practical one.
These rides became community festivals celebrating heritage, unity, and local pride, especially after the Border Wars and the end of regular cross-border hostilities.
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