The Reivers

The traditions of the reivers is a fascinating story and well worth reading.

Over towards the West side of the Borders, it is a very black tale with cattle raiding, murderous traditions and almost total lawlessness. Here, around Duns, it never got so serious and the festivities reflect this. We are just getting over tha annual commeration of last week.

The sense of community is very strong. All of the events are extremely well supported. The daily rides attract a good crowd of horse-riders of all ages and abilities. This last week had a small lad who must have been all of four years old being walked astride a cobby little pony. His legs only just reached beyond the saddle.

The shopkeepers enter into things and decorate with the town colours of black and red. There are window competitions for the kids. Fancy dress parades. A free-for-all handball competition in the main square between teams of married and unmarried men. There seem to be no rules - either how the game is played or how many are in a team. The shops in the square have to board up their windows and close for the afternoon.

Things end on Sunday night with a talent competition after the presentation of prizes. Groups of people bring their barbeque kit and set up in the square. This time, here were still small groups talking at 2:30 on the Monday morning. No drunkenness, no yobbo behaviour. Just fun and games.

A community.