Annan’s biggest spectacle of the year will see crowds in their thousands celebrate tomorrow.
The centuries-old Annan Riding of the Marches and Gala Day will be filled with tradition, horses, massed pipe bands and even a mini Highland games.
Cornet Oran Keenan, Cornet’s Lass Kirsty Cooper and Standard Bearer Hilda McClanachan will kick it off with the 5.30am bugle call reveille by Jamie Brydon and the handing over of the Royal Standard for the march riding to begin at 7.45am.
The chases will take place at the Everholm around noon.
Meanwhile, preparations for Annan’s spectacular gala parade will start with the judging at Silverlaw at 11.30am for the many trophies on offer to floats, small vehicles, walkers, adults and youths.
The fancy dress competition is also judged at 11.30am at nearby St Andrew’s Social Club, Standalane.
The coveted Pride of Procession award will be judged throughout the parade which leaves Newington roundabout at 12.35pm to reach Fish Cross for 1pm.
It will also be a memorable day for newly-crowned Queen of the Border Roxy Nicholson, her champion, Eliott Oakes, and her royal retinue on their float.
There will be afternoon fun at Annan Academy playing fields from 2pm including Owl Magic, circus skills, fun fair,, various stalls, performers, and the biggest pipe band competition in south west Scotland.
There will also be the Annan ROM Mini Highland Games for which children of all ages are invited to take part for prizes. Each child will receive a free goody bag donated by Annan Tesco and Aldi.
The day will culminate in the massed pipe bands parade grand finale and prize giving from 5.50pm to 7.30pm on the High Street.
The ROM principals have been out and about during the week, including schools and hospital visits, inter pub quiz, a rideout, the Cornet’s Ball, penny pitching and yard of ale and tonight’s Cornet’s Supper.
They also visited residents and staff at Lydiafield Care Home in Annan, who were delighted to welcome them – many of having been involved in the ROM in previous years.
