Scotland's Moving Image Archive at National Library of Scotland preserves over 100 years of Scottish filmed history reflecting 20th century social, cultural and industrial heritage. The films capture the lives of ordinary people across the generations and celebrate the achievements of Scottish based film-makers.
This film is part of Free
Hawick Common Riding
Gallop through the streets of Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, as bands of well-dressed men enjoy the traditional annual Common Riding in 1937 in this raucous local topical.
From the collection of:
Overview
A group of horse riders parade through the streets of Hawick, in Southern Scotland, during the annual Common Riding in this silent film from 1937. A large crowd jostles to steal a sniff of snuff from an old ram's horn during a curious ceremony, riders pass by cheering crowds and traverse rivers, speeches are made and songs are sung. The pomp and ceremony is very entertaining in a festival that has remained true to tradition for hundreds of years.
The Hawick Common Riding is the first of a series of festivals to happen in the Borders every year. The Riding celebrates the capture of an English flag in 1514 by Hawick youths and also marks an ancient custom of riding the marches or common land. A new Cornet is elected each year, who is responsible for leading the festivities and adhering to long kept traditions. The first Cornet was elected in 1703 and the line has been unbroken since then, bar the two World Wars. The riding lasts for three days and includes a number of ceremonies including one called the ‘Snuffin’’, where crowds jostle for a pinch of snuff from a ram's horn, a tradition echoing back to the days when soldiers received a ration of snuff before battle.
Related
Watch for free
Queen o' the Border Queen o' the Border
Documentary 1949 10 mins Location: Hawick
Welcome to Hawick, pronounced 'hoik' by the locals. Here it's all holidays and hosiery!
Watch for free
Hawick Common Riding 1914 Hawick Common Riding 1914
Non-Fiction 1914 14 mins Silent Location: Hawick
Residents of the Scottish border town celebrate the 400th anniversary of the capture of an English flag.
Watch for free
From Wool to Wearer From Wool to Wearer
Promotional 1913 17 mins Silent Location: Hawick
"The romance of Pesco underwear," as produced by Peter Scott Knitwear (aka Pesco), in Hawick.
Watch for free
1514 Quatercentenary, Hawick 1514 Quatercentenary, Hawick
Non-Fiction 1914 4 mins Silent Location: Hawick
Local pride beams off the screen at this "quatercentenary" (400th anniversary) celebration of a victory in a skirmish with English troops. The sculptor of the unveiled statue was Hawick-born William Beattie, aged just 25.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.