The first mention of the marches was in a Council Minute on the 15th of May 1730. It was custom to inspect the Burgh Boundaries to ensure no encroachments had been made by neighbouring landowners. This however was stopped but in 1853 a petition was presented to the town council asking for the Marches to be revived. Sadly, it was turned down and there is no other mention until 2nd September 1909 when Councilor Gracie gave notice that he would make a motion at the next Council meeting to revive the Riding of the Marches. In January 1910 there was a committee formed to look into the whole matter of the Riding of the Marches and the Burgh Boundaries. On the 18th of August 1910 it was agreed that this would be the day the marches would be ridden, and this was also the anniversary of the granting of the Royal Charter in 1598.

Tom Wilson was asked to be Cornet after Robert Nivison withdrew and Sergeant W. Nicol was Ensign.

  At each side you can see a copy of the programme from 1910 and one from 2019, there has been a few things added throughout the years, but they still carry out their main duties. To this day the Marches is a special time of year and brings many visitors to the town. Sadly, due to Covid-19 the 2020 celebrations had to be cancelled.

 

These days, on the Friday the week before they kick off with the Installation of the principals outside the Tolbooth, with the town coming out to witness and show support. Then it is to the town hall where they have a dinner dance to celebrate and give a special toast to the Royal Burgh.

The following day, a barbecue is held close to the townhall with the Past Principals acting as chefs and servers.

Sunday the procession leaves the Tolbooth and marches to the War Memorial where a wreath laying ceremony takes place. The Principles and followers proceed to St Brides Church. This day is also the first Rideout led by the Cornet, Cornets Lass and Ensign- Elect.  Following that it is the Breaking out of the Cornets flag at Matthews Folly is acclaimed ‘The Burgh is in Festival’

All through the week there are lots of different activities for the towns people and children to take part in and enjoy. As well as most days there are Rideouts round the town.

The main Event is the Saturday, it starts at 6am where the Burgh pipers Reveille from the Pipers Thorn to the Gallows Knowe and back. At 8am it is the Fencing of the Court of the Marches at the old Council House. 8.20am the Cornet and followers leave Church Road to Ride the Marches.  11.30 am the pageants assembles at station road and 11.45 am is the Cornets Report at Queensberry Square, The presentation by the Cornets lass to Boundary Markers and the Crowning of the Sanquhar Queen. At 12.30 and the pageant leaves the Queensberry Square with the Cornet, Cornet’s lass and Ensign leading the way.

In the afternoon there are lots of different stalls, activities, fun fair, music, food and creating a great buzz around the town.

At 5.15 its time for the Massed Bands. Headed by the new Principals they parade from Church Road down the High Street followed by a presentation of band trophies. Bands come from all over to take part in the day’s events.

Sunday, they have a Service in St Brides Church and at 3.30pm the have Striking of the Cornets Flag at Matthews Folly and to top all off at 9.30pm the town gather for a Torchlight Procession from the Primary School and head up the street to a bonfire on the Washing Green Riding of the Marches is the highlight of the year for the town and if the sun is shining it makes it even better!

 

For more information, please visit   www.sanquharridingofthemarches.com