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In pictures: Hawick Common Riding

Dougie Johnston Hawick CRDougie Johnston
Hawick is one of a number of Borders towns to stage a common riding every summer

The season of summer celebrations in the Scottish Borders started in Hawick on Friday.

It was the first of a string of towns and villages to stage its common riding.

Dougie Johnston Hawick CRDougie Johnston
The celebrations take place throughout the town and always draw a large crowd

Cornet Gareth Renwick and Cornet's Lass Jennifer Nichol took the key roles in this year's event.

They were lucky to enjoy good weather throughout the town's big day.

Dougie Johnston Hawick CRDougie Johnston
One part of the tradition is for packets of snuff to be thrown from a window

Hawick is one of a number of Borders towns to hold such celebrations throughout the summer months.

Part of the ceremony sees riders on horseback make their way around the town's historic boundaries.

Dougie Johnston Hawick CRDougie Johnston
The snuff does not always agree with everyone

Hawick's common riding celebrates the capture of an English Flag in 1514 by the youth of Hawick at a place called Hornshole.

It also continues the custom of riding the marches or boundaries of the common land.

Dougie Johnston Hawick CRDougie Johnston
The common riding celebrates the capture of an English flag in 1514 by the youth of Hawick
Dougie Johnston Hawick CRDougie Johnston
Riders of all ages take part in the common riding
Dougie Johnston Hawick CRDougie Johnston
A spell of good weather meant the routes were particularly dry for the celebration
Dougie Johnston Hawick CRDougie Johnston
The Hawick event proved as popular as always, with big crowds and a large number of participants
Dougie Johnston Hawick CRDougie Johnston
After Hawick there will be other similar celebrations held across the south of Scotland

All pictures copyright Dougie Johnston.