BIG DAY . . . Annan Cornet Mathew Crombie and Cornet’s Lass Toni Bell arrive at Everholm Park for the Riding of the Marches ‘Chases’
An estimated 120-strong cavalcade of horses and riders were led by Cornet Matthew Crombie and Cornet’s Lass Toni Bell on an historic inspection of of the Royal Burgh’s landward and sea boundaries.
Proudly carrying the Burgh colours was Standard Bearer Emma Marshall — pictured — a horse enthusiast and animal welfare officer.
One of the highlights was a spectacular ride across the Solway Firth sands, which was earlier than usual and curtailed slightly because of tide times.
Later the riders were greeted by supporters and visitors for a traditional rest halt on the site of the former RAF station and airfield at Creca.
The cavalcade was joined by visiting principals from other south of Scotland towns and a number of overseas guests who travelled on official buses.
During horse racing at Everholm Park, the main event, the Cornet’s Chase, was won by a former Cornet, Frank Johnstone, with another race being won by his son Connan, also an ex-Cornet.
In the afternoon the principals and a smaller cavalcade joined bands, floats and children in fancy dress for the traditional parade through town centre streets.
Other highlights on the packed programme were a children’s afternoon event at Annan Academy and what has now become a major visitor attraction, the massed pipe bands on the High Street in the evening.
SOLWAY SPECTACLE . . . the cavalcade ride over the sands south of Annan
