SPECIAL GIFT . . . Jim Hodgson, left, is pictured with Andie Douglas and the engraved glass they received this year
He was accompanied by Andrew Douglas, who was the Kirkcudbright Cornet in 1978, to the RoM at the other end of the country.
It was their fourth trip to Kirkwall, which all started in 2001 when all Riding of the Marches in the south of Scotland were cancelled due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth.
Jim and Andie, both fervent supporters of Riding the Marches found out by chance that there was a similar event in Kirkwall.
Together with Jim’s wife Andrea, Dumfries Cornet’s Lass 1987, they decided to go and support it.
As things turned out, they were the first visiting principals to attend and were given a warm welcome.
Since then Jim and Andie have returned in 2005 and again in 2012 when they took part in the actual riding.
The pair returned to Orkney again this year, this time participating in a horse and trap.
Over the years they have made many friends in the community and two years ago, the 2001 Kirkwall Standard Bearer Sonja Marwick rode at the Annan RoM.
On each of their visits, Andie and Jim have been presented with an engraved Kirkwall Riding of the Marches Glass, in appreciation of their support.
This year’s visit coincided with the 30th re-enactment since its revival in 1986 and Jim said: “We had a great welcome as usual, but unfortunately were were unable to ride the marches because there was a problem with the horses we were going to ride.
“But we went round in a pony and trap which was very enjoyable. It was our fourth trip and the hospitality was amazing and we met some interesting people.”
