TWO options for this summer’s Langholm Common Riding have been put forward as Scotland awaits the expected lifting of more restrictions next month.
The members of the Common Riding met on Monday to discuss arrangements for this year.
At this stage, they have come up with the two options. They will meet again on June 28 to make a decision.
Option one is that the flute band will start at their usual time of 5am.
The flag will be presented at 6am to Tommy Morrison, vice-chairman, supported by right-hand man Henry Jeffrey, left-hand man Iain Little and Semi-Jubilee Cornet David McVittie.
The possibility of having more riders will be discussed at the next meeting.
The timings are being brought forward to reduce numbers of spectators.
The ceremonial part of the Common Riding will proceed as normal, including the route around the streets with emblems and bands, the first fair crying, the gallop up Kirk Wynd at about 6.40am and the route around Whita Hill.
The Semi-Jubilee Cornet will carry the flag from Castle Craigs to Whita Well.
The participants will return to the town where the heather besom procession will be held at about 7.45am followed by the second fair crying, the ride along the Bar Brae and the sods cut on the Castleholm.
The closing ceremonies will begin immediately after the Castleholm sod-cutting with an estimated finish time at the town hall of 10.15am.
The practicalities of the concert and summer fair night band performances will be discussed at the next meeting.
The second option will follow the same format as 2020.
The boundaries will be marked on Whita as last year and the Semi-Jubilee Cornet David McVittie will carry the flag, supported by the right and left-hand men.
The start time is yet to be confirmed.
Roger Maxwell, chairman, said: “These options will be discussed at the next meeting on June 28 when it is hoped that COVID-19 restrictions will have been substantially eased.
The Common Riding members made a decision earlier this month to not elect a Cornet and that the athletics and flapping would not go ahead.
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