KROM24

Kirkcudbright Riding of tHe MarcHes 2024

Thank You from 2023

Cornet Scott Milligan

I thoroughly enjoyed representing Kirkcudbright as cornet in 2023. As a non rider the highlight for me has to be Kirkcudbright riding of the marches itself despite the weather it did not dampen our spirits. I’d like to thank my Cornets Lass Amie and Pursuivant Christine for going above and beyond to help make our year so enjoyable.

I wish Tom, Lilly and the rest of the team of 2024 all the best for their year in office.

Cornets Lass 2023 Amie Blower

Looking back on this past year it has been a pleasure to represent Kirkcudbright as Cornets Lass and I’ve enjoyed every minute. A big thank you goes to my Cornet Scott and Lynors Nikki, Eden, Tom and Fraser for all their support, I couldn’t have asked for a better team. The weather was far from kind to us on the day but despite being soaked through we had an amazing night which I will always remember.

I wish this years’ principal elects the very best of luck and enjoy every minute of it.

Pursuivant 2023 Christine Findlater

Having ridden Kirkcudbright for the last 35 years I was honoured and delighted to have been chosen as Pursuivant 2023.

Leading the cavalcade with Scott and Amie was a memorable experience I will cherish forever. Unfortunately the sun did not make an appearance but no amount of rain could dampen our spirits and it was lovely to see so many people come and support us on such a wet evening. A huge thank you to all who rode and braved the rain.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Scott, Amie, Fraser, Thomas, Nikki, Eden and Susan for the wonderful memories. I am privileged to have shared my year with such a great Team. I would also like to thank my family, friends and everyone who supported us throughout. Also a special mention to my 22 year old horse Tikia who carried me safely round the Marches and Kirkcudbright Cornets Club who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly.

I will continue to wear my sash with pride and honour and look forward to riding other neighbouring towns and supporting Team 2024

I wish Tom, Lilly, Katryna and their lynors all the best for their year in office.

Chairman’s Welcome

Welcome all to the Kirkcudbright Riding of the Marches 2024.

Special thanks goes to 2023 principals Cornet Scott Milligan, Cornets Lass Aime Blower & Pursuivant Christine Findlater. I hope you have enjoyed your year in office and continue to support the club for years to come. Last year made for an unseasonably wet riding of the marches which didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and were supported by around 92 horses, the streets were again lined with supporters braving the rain to show their support, for that we are so grateful. Thankfully the sun made an appearance for the night of the ball, held for the first time at the Cocoa Bean Company. Here’s hoping the sun shines for this years principals.

We as a committee have been working hard in the background to ensure the week brings everyone together to celebrate this ancient tradition. This year principals are thoroughly looking forward to their week and I look forward to supporting them.

Congratulations again to Cornet Tom MacTaggart, Cornet Lass Lilly Stalker, Pursuivant Katryna Morris, Lynors: David Walker, Ruth Robertson, Beth Dickson and Chalmers Porteous.

The Courier this year will be carried out by Susan English.

We are once again indebted to Dumfries and Galloway Council and Police Scotland for their continued assistance and guidance and look forward to their continuing help on Kirkcudbright Riding of the Marches day.

Thanks to everyone for being part of Kirkcudbright Riding of the Marches, from the young to the not so young, you are all an important part of this ancient tradition.

Have a happy, safe and enjoyable Kirkcudbright Riding of the Marches 2024.

Safe Oot Safe In.

Hon. Chairman

Dates for the Diary

Kirkin of the Cornet Sunday 7th July 11am followed by a buffet reception at The Masonic 12:45pm Cornets ball at The Cocoabean Saturday 13th July 7.30pm start

Cornets Club Bingo Tuesday 16th July 7pm Kirkcudbright Bowling Club

Visits to local residencies evening of Thursday 18th July Riding of the Marches evening of Friday 19th July For anyone looking for further information or to obtain tickets for any of the events please email kbtcornetclub@hotmail.com

Laura White

pResident’s Welcome

On attending my first Riding of the Marches as President of Kirkcudbright Cornets Club I could not have been more proud. The weather was extremely wet, although I can personally confirm not the wettest we have had, that title goes to 1988! However our Cornet, Cornet’s Lass, Pursuivant, Lynors and riders were happy and smiling throughout, though increasingly drookit. And, yet again, there was wonderful support from the townsfolk who were out to watch in large numbers when the horses were going by, and disappearing into the dry in the quieter moments.

Our ex-Principals work hard to prepare for this and we really appreciate seeing the crowds so please join us again this year.

Jane Maxwell Hon. President

THANK YOU FROM THE CLUB

Kirkcudbright Cornets Club are most grateful to the many businesses, organisations, individuals and groups who have assisted in any way with organising and running of this years’ events. The support we as a club have received is much appreciated and we are indebted to you all.

WIN A HAMPER!

As a thank you for purchasing one of this years Kirkcudbright Riding of the Marches programme’s we have entered your programme number into the prize draw to win this beautifully made hamper.

Good Luck!

Kirkcudbright Cornets Club

LIST OF PRINCIPALS

YEAR CORNET

1949 Dr. David McMinn

1951 Campbell White

CORNETS’ LASS PURSUIVANT

Sheila Brown James Milligan

Margaret Cowan William Parker

1953 James Milligan Joyce Garmery Donald Lamont

1955 Lt. John Bradley Mary Grace Anderson Jock Parker

1975 Ian McNellie Jenny Scott Robin McCrae

1976 Robin McCrae Sheena Higgins Sandy Sproat

1977 Sandy Maxwell Elma Templeton John Corrie

1978 Andrew Douglas Hilary Smith Bert Blackwood

1979 Brian Towesy Valerie Higgins David Picken

1980 Michael Parker Allison Blackwood Charlie Malone

1981 John Sommerville Doreen Kerr

1982 David Baird Morag Lockhart

Cpt. Donald York

Alan Clark

1983 Hugh Higgins Susan Parker Mike Waterson

1984 Ian Smith Yvonne King Adam Barbour

1985 Robert Campbell Gillian Brown Eric McWilliam

1986 James Picken Rona Gibson Stuart McWilliam

1987 Robert Watson Margaret Moir Jim Clark

1988 Neil Picken Alison Austin Blair Bigham

1989 Peter Gray Kay McKerlie Richard Johnstone

1990 Andrew Higgins Gillian Kirkland Harry Rogers

1991 Gordon Sproat Pamela Watson Mike Shelswell

1992 Chris Caygill

1993 Mike Findlater

Patricia Blackwood Tony Thomson

Kirstine Douglas David Paton

1994 David Johnston Jenny Dodd Scot Radley

1995 Andrew Nelson Debbie Hutchison Paul Harkness

1996 Andrew Smith Claire Picken Joyce Douglas

1997 James Campbell Lesley Pickthall James Barty

1998 Hamish Dunlop Wendy Hutton Douglas Bowie

1999 Robin Baird Elizabeth Dodds Gordon Mackay

Kirkcudbright Cornets Club

LIST OF PRINCIPALS

YEAR CORNET

2000 Donald Dunlop

CORNETS’ LASS PURSUIVANT

Lynn

Archibald

Sally Dunlop Jane Maxwell 2003 Victor Roberts

Murray McConchie

James Dunlop

Fiona Stryjewski David Taylor

Kyla Graham Anthony Graham

Jennifer Picken Colin Mair 2006 Peter Wilson

Samantha Milligan Tommy Jardine

Katey Davidson Cpt. Arthur Murphy

Samantha Wilson Lesley MacMillan

Susan Morrison

Jaeger McCreath

Simon McMinn

Ashley Burns Fiona Dickson 2015 Matthew Boyd

Kyla Wilson Liz Butler 2016 Matthew Hyslop

Skye Lindsay Laura White

Middlemiss

Elen

Jim McDowall

Kirkcudbright Cornets Club

HISTORICAL SUMMARY OF THE RIDING OF THE MARCHES

In the Year of our Lord, Fourteen Hundred and Fifty Five, on the Twenty Sixth Day of October, The Court of King James The Second of Scotland was in session at Perth. A Noble Company assembled on this Day, THOMAS, BISHOP OF DUNKELD, JOHN, BISHOP OF MORAY, GEORGE, BISHOP OF BRECHIN. COUNCILLORS TO THE KING, WILLIAM, EARL OF ORKNEY, THOMAS, LORD ERSKINE, JAMES, LORD LIVINGSTONE, PATRICK, LORD OF GLAMYS, ROBERT, LORD LYLE, AND CLERK OF THE ROLLS, MASTER NICHOLAS OTTYRBURN.

The discussion which took place on that Historic Day between these most noble Lords was the Town of Kirkcudbright, which lay in the said Stewartry, and of the good causes and favours given by said Townspeople to the Crown of King James. The conclusion to the discussions of this Day, and in Royal Thanks, A Charter was granted, creating Kirkcudbright a Royal Burgh and handing over thereto the Townspeople of said Royal Burgh the Lands of Over and Nether Borelands, Millflats, Milnburn, Creepark, Hughans, Calfward and Castlemains, all lying within the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright.

A Messenger from the King, known as the Pursuivant was despatched under escort, to Kirkcudbright, carrying with him the Charter and Seal which would make Kirkcudbright a Royal Burgh. As he neared the Town, a Courier was sent forward, to warn of his imminent arrival. The Cornet, a Cavalry Officer of the Day, was sent out to meet the Pursuivant, and together they would ride round the Boundaries referred to in the Charter.

This Act is recreated Annually by Kirkcudbright Cornets Club, by their Riding of the Marches and today the Installation of the Cornet, Cornet’s Lass, Pursuivant and Lynors the main Principals of this event will take place within this Church.

Principal Info

Cornet Elect 2024 Tom MacTaggart

I am 28 years old and work on my family Dairy Farm at Auchencairn. I was a Kirkcudbright lynor in 2019 and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead as Cornet.

Cornets Lass Elect 2024 Lily Stalker

I’m Lilly, 25 from near the Bridge of Dee. I work on a dairy farm just outside of Auchencairn where I do a bit of everything. I’ve been a keen horse rider for many years and have spent a lot of those years competing and attending local rideouts when I can. I started watching the Kirkcudbright riding of the marches before I could even ride properly and once I could stay on a horse without falling of rode the marches every year for the last 15 years so I am incredibly excited to be leading them this year with my cornet Tom and the rest of our team!

Pursuivant Elect 2024 Katryna Morris

I was born in Edinburgh and moved to Dumfries when I was 5. I am currently employed by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service as a Sheriff Clerk Depute/Executive Officer. I have an 8 year old son, who keeps me very busy with his after school sports and clubs. I have ridden from a young age and owned my own ponies and horses for 30 years. I have been a keen supporter of the riding of the marches from a very young age, both riding many marches and supporting on foot, and of course, enjoying the social side. I am profoundly honoured to have been asked to carry out this role and I am looking forward to supporting team 24.

- Tom McTaggart, Lily Stalker, Katryna Morris

Principal Info

Lynor Elect 2024 Beth Dickson

My name is Beth Dickson and I’m a primary school teacher in Dumfries & Galloway. I am originally from Kirkgunzeon, however I have lived in Twynholm for the past 6 years. Having always loved horses, I have ridden in many local riding of the marches and enjoy attending the local balls and supporting the ride outs. I have made many great friends through these events and look forward to meeting many more over the coming year. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent Kirkcudbright and I look forward to the year ahead with my fellow Lynors and supporting Cornet Tom and Cornets Lass Lilly.

David Maxwell

Hi Im David, 27. I am a Dairy farmer at home on the family farm. I Play rugby for stewartry 1xv and very much looking forward to the year ahead supporting Tom, Lilly and Katryna.

Ruth Robertson

Hi, I’m Ruth and I work as a registered veterinary nurse at Stewartry vets. I have been riding since a young age and owned horses since my teens. I thoroughly enjoy supporting the riding of the marches whether ridden or spectating and have done for many years. It is an honour to be asked to be a Lynor for this year.

Chalmers Porteous

I work at home on the family beef and sheep farm. I curl and play rugby in my spare time and I am looking forward to the year ahead.

Courier 2024 Susan English

I am absolutely delighted to be asked to be Courier again this year and very much looking forward to being a part of the 2024 celebrations. I will be riding my own horse, Bowman who is a pure Welsh Cob Section E(D), 25 years of age and I have owned him since he was 3 years old. He is and continues to be a good friend and we hack out for pleasure and thoroughly enjoy riding the Marches. In my leisure time I enjoy being with Bowman, my husband Jim and our lurcher Scout along with visiting my family in Glasgow and spending time with my friends.

WREATH BEARER

New for 2024, Kirkcudbright Cornets Club had asked Kirkcudbright Academy for a volunteer to hold the wreath at the war memorial while awaiting the Cornet and Cornets Lass to arrive.

My name is Aiden Bell. I am 12. I like drawing, making things out of clay, and building with Lego. I offered to be wreath bearer because I thought it would be a kind thing to do, and that I’d get a chance to meet new people.

We look forward to meeting Aiden on Friday 19th July at the Riding of the Marches.

ROM Route

Please note timings are only indicative:

About 1815 hours: The horses and riders will start to assemble at the field (belonging to Ian Smith) adjacent to the Arden House Hotel, Kirkcudbright.

About 1845 hours: The horses will begin to make their way from the field towards Kirkcudbright as a cavalcade to merge with the rest of the procession.

About 1900 hours: The Cavalcade will set off from Dee Road and continue along St Mary Street before turning right into St. Cuthbert Street to the Castle, left into Castle Street stopping outside the Masonic Arms for a “Stirrup Cup”.

The Courier will meet the Cavalcade outside the Masonic Arms.

About 1910 hours: The Cavalcade will pass the Tollbooth, before continuing to Castledykes Road, Longacre Road, Dunbar Avenue, Great Cross Road and The Crofts.

About 1930 hours: Procession will travel along Selkirk Road, up Rossway Hill, along Rossway Road and Woodlands Avenue, turning left down Barrhill Road to Townend, right along Townend, then onto Millburn Street and left into St. Cuthbert Street.

About 1945 hours: The Cavalcade will travel along; St. Mary Street; St. Cuthbert Street, Beaconsfield Place and the Kirkcudbright Bridge.

About 2000 hours: The cavalcade will visit Merse House. There, the main party will visit residents for approx. 10 minutes whilst the rest of the Cavalcade wait outside.

About 2010 hours: The ride will return by the same route from Merse House back across the bridge and travel along: Bridge Street, St. Mary Street, Victoria Park, Burnside Loaning and Stirling Acres Road.

About 2020 hours: The ride will proceed down into Millflats, Jubilee Place, St Mary Street, Bridge Street, Beaconsfield Place, St Cuthbert Street, stopping at the Kirkcudbright Bay Hotel for another “Stirrup Cup”.

About 2030 hours: The Cavalcade will move across St Mary Street and travel up St Cuthbert Street left into St Cuthbert Road and right into Silvercraigs Road.

About 2040 hours: It will then travel down the Barrhill, into High Street and stop just passed the Selkirk Arms, at the Meikle Yett, to receive Earth and Stone, from the Deacon and for a further “Stirrup Cup”. The Cavalcade will then proceed up High Street into Old High Street and stop at the “Water Yett “and receive Earth and Stone from the Deacon.

About 2050 hours: Stop at the War Memorial where the Cornet and Lass will dismount for the wreath laying Ceremony.

About 2100 hours: When the wreath laying ceremony has been completed and the Cornet and Lass have remounted the Cavalcade will move off into the Harbour Square where the Charter Ceremony will take place.

ROM Route Map

MASONIC ARMS

THE KIRKIN

Kirkcudbright Cornets Club celebrations begin with The Kirkin of this year principals elect on Sunday 7th July at 11am. Past and present principals along with members of Haill Six Incorporated Trades of Kirkcudbright parade from Harbour Square at 10:45am, the procession walks up St Cuthbert Street, along St Mary Street to Kirkcudbright Parish Church where they will meet the Reverand James Gatherer.

The Installation of Cornet Elect Tom MacTaggart, Cornets Lass Elect Lily Stalker, Pursuivant Elect Katryna Morris and Lynors David Maxwell, Beth Dickson, Chalmers Porteous and Ruth Robertson will take place during the service where they will be installed and given their sash and rosette on behalf of the Kirkcudbright Cornets Club.

Kirkcudbright Cornets Club welcomes all past principals to the Kirkin whereby thereafter there will be a buffet lunch held at The Masonic from 12:45pm. £10 per person.

SCOTLAND’S RIDINGS

Common Ridings or Riding of the Marches mainly take place in the Borders and the Southern Lowlands, with some commemorating battles, particularly Flodden, others the granting of a Royal Burgh. There is also West Linton’s Whipman Play, which developed from a benevolent society for carters and ploughmen and Lanark, which has had a continuous history of a Riding, and Perambulation of its March Stones, or boundary markers, since the twelfth century. The Bari Gadgi and the Bari Ganush lead the celebrations at Kirk Yetholm, once known as Scotland’s Gypsy and travelling people’s capital.

Main representatives are chosen to lead the cavalcades from the young men and women of the area, with a variety of titles including Cornet, Hunter, Honest Lad, Braw Lad ,all with corresponding Lasses, also Pursuivants, Standard Bearers and Lynors. Many towns have particular songs to be sung during their celebrations and traditions strictly followed such as Bussing and Casting the Standard, or Colours. More recent battles are honoured, by the laying of wreaths at War Memorials.

At most of the Burghs and Towns involved, a young Queen is also chosen to include the children and indeed in Kirkcudbright a Kirkcudbright Princess or Prince, who is crowned as part of the Summer Festivities.

A great camaraderie exists amongst the Principals of these annual celebrations, as those elected represent their town at different events elsewhere, which is then reciprocated, and lifelong friendships are made. These wonderful spectacles, variations of ancient traditions, are still flourishing with the hard work and dedication of those involved and are truly a sight to see.

25TH ANNIVERSARY

Last year we celebrated the first 25th Anniversary following the Riding of the Marches, badges presented were kindly sponsored by The Red Squirrel, Dalbeattie.

This year’s Kirkcudbright Cornets Club 25th anniversary celebrates Cornet Robin Baird, Cornets Lass Elizabeth Hutchison (nee Dodds) and Pursuivant Gordon MacKay. We wish to acknowledge the passing of Gordon Mackay.

This year the Anniversary badges will be handed out by the President of the Kirkcudbright Cornets Club Jane Maxwell who has also kindly sponsored them.

2014.

2018.

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