History

Kelso Civic Week officially started in 1937 by John Scott, baker and Provost of the town so that Kelso could have a Common Riding similar to the other Border towns. Since then, apart from the War years, Foot and mouth and COVID19, a worthy Laddie has been selected with his Right and Left Hand Men (the Laddies from the previous two years) to lead his mounted followers in the ride-outs into the surrounding countryside and to the local villages.

During a normal year, the Laddie and his followers ride to Sprouston, Stichill, Hume, Ednam, Floors, Morebattle and to Yetholm where they meet the Yetholm Principals, the Bara Gadgie and the Bara Manushi. In addition, there are sporting events for all ages, a Fancy Dress Parade, an Exhibition of Paintings, and the Civic Week Ball. A wreath is laid at the War Memorial at the start of the week. The installation of the Laddie on the Wednesday night is a spectacular occasion when the Kelso Laddie is entrusted with the Burgh Standard, the colours are bussed by four young ladies in the town Square.
To see what is in the programme go to " Events" section.

A Bit More Detail...

Kelso Civic Week came about due to a number of events in the 1930's. Many Civic Weeks and Festivals were developing in the Borders at this time, following in the footsteps of the four traditional Common Ridings which were long established at Hawick, Lauder, Langholm and Selkirk.

In June 1934, a fancy dress parade was held in the town to raise money for lifeboat day. This was repeated in June 1935 as a fund raiser for Kelso Cottage Hospital. This event also heard for the first time Kelso's new song "Kelsae Bonnie Kelsae" written by Provost J Scott. In July 1935, Kelso's first shopping week was organised by the Kelso Merchants and Traders Association as an endeavour to stimulate trade in the town.

1936 was the formative year for Kelso Civic Week. It was chosen as a time to present a Chain of Office to Provost Scott, the money being raised by the Towns Women's Guild. At this time the town council held a meeting for the petition to the Lord Lyon King of Arms for the registration of a coat of arms for the Burgh.

The flag was to be 'of Azure springing from the meadow, in base a rose tree in full flower and a pendant there from an eagle and a dove adorned proper an escutcheon charged with the Royal Arms of Scotland. Above the shield is placed a mural cornet and in an escroll under it, the motto:
"Dae Richt - Fear Nocht"'.

The flag was not to be ready until 1937, but plans to combine the Charities Parade and the Shopping Week left us with the forerunner for Civic Week. Included in the programme for 1936 was a service at the War Memorial in memory of the men of Kelso who fell at Gallipoli.

Kelso Standard and Whipmans Flag

Kelso Laddie 1937- Bobby Service

In 1937, the combination of the above events and the need for a figure-head to carry the flag round the town, at the front of the parade, produced the first Kelso Laddie - Bobby Service. During the concert on the Friday night of the first Civic Week, Bobby was invested with the Burgh Standard and the Sash of Office by Provost Scott.

Since then, Civic Week has gone from strength to strength under the Kelso Laddies Association, who, because of the nature of Civic Week, are able to adapt and change, and produce a full calendar of events that suits all the people of the town.

The Kelso Laddie now leads an annual cavalcade of over 200 horses to Yetholm to qualify for his Blue Bonnet for having crossed the English Border. The Historical Pageant of the Whipman's Ride re-enacts the sporting festivities of a very early trade union. Not every event is based on equestrian skills, a Grand Ball and a Children's Ball are mainstays of the week, and the War Memorial and joint church service, as well as the Fancy Dress Parade, are still key elements of the week.

The highlight of the week is the Colour Bussing of the town flag in the beautifully decorated Town Square, in front of a large crowd, when the Kelso Laddie is still entrusted with the Burgh Standard.

Kelso Civic Week takes place annually, normally during the third week of July.