Common Riding Statue

The Common Riding Statue stands in Hawick as a tribute to one of the Scottish Borders' most spirited traditions. It's a bronze sculpture commemorating the Common Riding - an annual festival where locals on horseback parade the boundaries of their town, a custom stretching back centuries. The statue captures something of that horsey, frontier spirit the Borders folk still take seriously.

You won't spend hours here, but it's worth a proper look if you're passing through town. The craftsmanship is solid, and locals will gladly tell you the story behind it - they're quite proud of their riding heritage. If you're into public sculpture or Scottish traditions, this one actually means something rather than just being decorative plonk.

The real draw is timing your visit for the actual Common Riding in early summer, when the whole town turns out. If you're visiting outside that window, the statue serves as a good anchor point for understanding what makes Hawick tick. It's free to view, naturally.

Stay nearby at Stouslie Snugs, a luxe farm glamping spot just outside town, and you've got a proper base for exploring the Borders. From there you can wander Hawick's High Street, visit the textile museums, or tackle some serious walking routes through the surrounding hills. The statue's a conversation starter rather than a destination in itself - but in a market town like Hawick, those conversations often lead somewhere worth going.