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The origins of Lauder Common Riding are lost in the mist of time, but it cannot be denied that its pedigree is quite lengthy.
At one time it was a necessary duty to ensure that adjoining landowners had not stolen or encroached upon the Common Lands of the Burgh. This land was not enclosed, the boundary being marked by a number of Cairns. The burgesses rode from cairn to cairn and it fell upon newer or younger men to fill their pockets with stones to place upon each cairn in turn, This practice was
abandoned when it was found that the pockets contained not stones but bottles of refreshment to be consumed at each cairn! The Riding of the Marches was nevertheless serious business, the date and time being intimated by Tuck of Drum by the Town
Drummer. Failure to attend to the duties could result in a fine, in the early 19th Century this was 5/- for a Burgess.
The Ceremony originally was held on Ascension Day when the lands, crops and affairs of the Burgh were blessed. The Health of the Monarch was Toasted and later the date became the King's Birthday. In this respect it is Recorded in the Minutes of the Town
Council in early 1800's that the expense of celebrating the King's Birthday should not exceed £2.10/-.
The riders used to race from the Stirk Hill to the Town Hall but this proved dangerous to rider and bystander alike and was
discontinued after many protest. The day closed with a Dinner in the Town Hall. The practice was discontinued for about 70 years but was resuscitated in 1911 to celebrate the Coronation of King George V and has continued ever since with the exception of the two Wars. The revived Common Riding, which we have today differs very little from the original.
It is not held to commemorate a victory over the English in Battle like other Towns or as a Gala Day. The religious aspect is still
observed with the Kirkin' of the Cornet, at which the Lords Blessing is sought for the weeks events. With a few alterations where land was sold, the Cornet leads his followers round the Marches of the Royal Burgh of Lauder with a halt for refreshments at the Waterin Stane and a Toast to Her Majesty. On leaving the Waterin' Stane the cavalcade makes for the Burgess Cairn, the only
surviving cairn, and places a stone upon it and on return reports no encroachment on Burgh Land.
In recent times "Tom Waldies bridge", the Waterin' Stane and the Burgess Cairn have been repaired and improved to ensure the smooth running of the common riding. The Millennium Cairn, at the top of the Whiteknowe End, was erected to commemorate
regaining the Burgh Charter of 1502. Bill Hardie; First published 1992, updated 2009
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