Call for Riding of the Marches to be classified as 'culturally significant' by Scottish Government
The annual spectacle of the Riding of the Marches may have been postponed this year, but that hasn't stopped a campaign that is calling for these events to be officially classified as 'Culturally Significant' by the Scottish Government.
The 600-year-old tradition which sees horses ride along the boundaries of the town on land and sea are replicated across the South of Scotland.
The popular events – which have been cancelled this year because of the pandemic – run every year with the help of dedicated volunteers who, not only organise the events, but fundraise all year round.
There are now increasing calls to have these historic traditions officially recognised as 'Culturally Significant' events - a move that may secure their long-term future.
Ridings Convenor, Stuart Thompson MBE, said: "All the hard work that goes on from the committees throughout the year that work tirelessly to put these events on are kind of just taken for granted.
"It's a tremendous spectacle in every town. Every town is different, every town has its own culture and traditions and it's so culturally important that these continue and that youngsters come through the ranks knowing that they are financially secure and not worry about the finances as much as we do at the moment."
One of the most prominent voices in the cross-party group of politicians who have put their weight behind these proposals is MSP Oliver Mundell.
He said:"I think the riding of the marches and the common ridings here in Dumfriesshire and right across the south of Scotland are the gold standard of community events. They are integral to the functioning of small communities they bring people together year on year.
"I think getting some cultural recognition could make a huge difference in terms of attracting finance and support rather than scraping around desperately trying to find money every year.
"I think we should put the Riding of the Marches and other community events on a sustainable footing, moving forward, so that they can continue to do the great work that they do."
MSP Oliver Mundell
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, whose Linlithgow constituency holds their one Common Ridings, responded to questions from Oliver Mundell saying:
"Scotland is renowned for national events but the local events that we are discussing are the lifeblood of our communities, so I think that it is important that we find ways-financial and otherwise-of helping to support them."
The campaign is just in its initial stages, but if it proves successful then the ridings may be flying the flag for our region for years to come.