The Sanquhar Riding of the Marches Website

Sanquhar is a place of great antiquity. Created a Royal Burgh in 1598 it was a Burgh of Barony from 1484, and the Charter of that date refers to one of an earlier date. Tradition has it that its status as a Burgh goes back to the time of William the Lion.

The Riding of the Marches celebrations in recent years have been picturesque, colourful and attractive. On such occasions the townsfolk have turned out in large numbers and the spectacular and sporting events have attracted many spectators from the surrounding district and much further afield.

On the big day you get up at 6.00am to follow the Burgh piper, swearing in of the New Cornet at 8.00am then all leave to ride the marches, Cornets report at 12:30pm in Queensberry square followed by the coronation of the Sanquhar Queen. The parade of decorated floats and bands leave the Square at 1pm to go round the Burgh. A full afternoon of free entertainment in the Queensberry Square from 2.00pm till 5.00pm followed by the fantastic massed bands along the High Street from 5.15pm

Royal Burgh of Sanquhar celebrated 100 years of Riding the Marches, in its present form, in 2010 with 18th August 2010 the actual date of the 100 year celebration.