Exhibition flies the flag for Hawick Common Riding

Mounted Cornet carries the flag. Credit: ILF Imaging

The Hawick Museum is now home to one of the largest exhibitions of Hawick Common Riding and the Hawick Tradition.

The exhibition called 'The Banner Blue' coincides with the 500th anniversary of the 1514 Battle of Hornshole and is a collection of photographs, memorabilia, paintings, historic objects, documents and flags.

One of the 3 rooms designated to the display will explore the present-day Common Riding with pictures, photos and objects to illustrate, from ball-gowns and bangles to programmes and portraits. Ceremonies and principal figures are also explained.

Hawick in the 1100s by illustrator Allan Watt Robson. Credit: Scottish Borders Council

A special feature is a Common Riding oil painting which was given to the town in 1900. Having recently been restored, the painting is now part of the collection and shows horse racing taking place on the town’s Common Haugh in 1846.

Items relating to Hawick town and Tradition include many historic items such as the town's charter of 1537, the oldest surviving Common Riding Flag dated 1707 and an early hand-written version of the song 'Teribus'.

Teribus handwritten sheet music, 1777. Credit: Scottish Borders Council

The Banner Blue will be on display until Sunday August 3 2014.