Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities
Annual Riding of the Marches Ceremonies.
The Annual Riding of the Marches takes place on Friday 18th July 2008. It begins at Dee Walk at 7pm and goes all over the town, ending up with a Charter Cermony in the Harbour Square around 8.30pm.
HISTORY. In the year 1485 Kirkcudbright was given Royal Burgh status by virtue of a Charter granted by King James II. The King granted the lands of Over & Nether Borelands, Millflats, Milnburn, Creekpark, Hughans, Calfward and Castlemains to the townspeople of the Burgh
A messenger from the King, known as the Pursuivant, was dispatched under escort to Kirkcudbright, carrying with him the Charter and Seal which would make Kirkcudbright a Royal Burgh. As he neared the town a Courier was sent forward to warn of his imminent arrival. The Cornet, a Cavalry Officer of the day, was sent out to meet the Pursuivant, and together they rode round the Boundaries referred to in the Charter.
This act is recreated annually by Kirkcudbright Cornets Club, by their spectacular ceremony of the Riding of the Marches.
The Kirkin' of the Cornet takes place on Sunday 13th July and the Cornet's Ball is held on Saturday 19th July.
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