In pictures: Hawick Common Riding

Hawick is one of a number of Borders towns to stage a common riding every summer

The season of summer celebrations in the Scottish Borders started in Hawick on Friday.

It was the first of a string of towns and villages to stage its common riding.

The celebrations take place throughout the town and always draw a large crowd

Cornet Gareth Renwick and Cornet's Lass Jennifer Nichol took the key roles in this year's event.

They were lucky to enjoy good weather throughout the town's big day.

One part of the tradition is for packets of snuff to be thrown from a window

Hawick is one of a number of Borders towns to hold such celebrations throughout the summer months.

Part of the ceremony sees riders on horseback make their way around the town's historic boundaries.

The snuff does not always agree with everyone

Hawick's common riding celebrates the capture of an English Flag in 1514 by the youth of Hawick at a place called Hornshole.

It also continues the custom of riding the marches or boundaries of the common land.

The common riding celebrates the capture of an English flag in 1514 by the youth of Hawick

Riders of all ages take part in the common riding

A spell of good weather meant the routes were particularly dry for the celebration

The Hawick event proved as popular as always, with big crowds and a large number of participants

After Hawick there will be other similar celebrations held across the south of Scotland

All pictures copyright Dougie Johnston.