Annan Riding of The Marches

18/08/2026

The results of the RoM photo competition are now in. Thank you to everyone who entered. We had over 100 entries and our judge Les Snowdon had a difficult task in picking the winners.

Below are the category winners and overall winner. We will be in touch with the winners soon to present their prizes.

The judges comments on each photo are detailed in the comments below.

16/08/2026

Anyone who collects Riding of the Marches magazines, and is seeking missing years, I have extra copies. Please contact me personally on 07901 710559 Stuart J Thompson.

16/08/2026

Everyone associated with Annan RoM send their congratulations to Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band for their outstanding performance this season.

We, along with the townspeople of Annan are extremely proud.

The 2026 season has come to an end, and what a way to finish it.

A 2nd place finish at the World Pipe Band Championships brings the curtain down on an incredible year for the Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band.

When we look back at the season as a whole, it becomes even more special:

- Grade 2 Scottish Champions
- Grade 2 European Champions
- Grade 2 UK Champions

This incredible string of results saw us crowned 2026 Grade 2 Champion of Champions Band, while our drummers have also been crowned 2026 Grade 2 Champion of Champions Drumming.

Three major championship victories, a World Championship second place and Champion of Champions titles in both band and drumming. Not bad for a wee band from Annan.

None of this happens without the commitment of every player, supporter, our support from our sponsor Cochran, family member and friend who has stood behind this band throughout the year. From the first practice of the winter to the final note at Glasgow Green, every single person has played their part.

A particular shoutout to the tireless efforts of our Committee members who have kept our wheels turning for another year.

And now, the band will take a moment to rest, reflect on the season now behind us, and look forward.

There are exciting times ahead for the Royal Burgh of Annan. The challenges will only get bigger, the standard will only get higher, and this band has shown throughout 2026 that it is ready to embrace whatever comes next. The future is looking very bright!

Thank you for an unforgettable 2026.

15/08/2026

It was trophy time all round for the Annan participants at Sanquhar ROM today.

Winners of the Cornets Chase and Open Chase were former Cornet Frank Johnstone and Standard Bearer Hilda McClanachan.

Collecting the prize for best turned out Horse & Rider were 10th anniversary Cornets Lass Toni Bell and her steed Maisie.

Congratulations to all.

15/08/2026

We would like to send all at Sanquhar Royal Burgh Troopers Club our very best wishes for today’s Sanquhar Riding of the Marches.

Hope our Principals and those joining them either on horse back or
on foot have a great day.

On Sanquhar On!!

14/08/2026

Horse Riding & Stable Skills Fun a Huge Success

Around 50 children enjoyed an afternoon of horse riding and stable skills as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of Annan Riding of the Marches.

The fun sessions were held at Jenny Mills Riding School, Brydekirk, giving local youngsters the opportunity to spend time with the horses, learn basic stable skills and enjoy some hands-on riding experience.

The activities were funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Summer of Sport programme, with refreshments kindly provided by Tesco and The Queensberry Arms.

Demand for the sessions was exceptional, with almost twice as many applications received as there were places available. Annan Riding of the Marches now hopes to repeat the initiative during the October school holidays, giving some of those who missed out this time another opportunity to take part.

George Campbell, Joint Convener of Annan Riding of the Marches, said:

“We were delighted to be able to offer these fun afternoons to so many children, some of whom perhaps one day could be future Cornets or Cornet’s Lasses.

“The response we received was amazing and we hope to be able to offer some of the unlucky children who missed out this time an opportunity during the next school holidays.

“It was fantastic to see so many happy little faces enjoying themselves, learning new skills and getting the chance to experience horse riding.”

The sessions which were run over the last 2 weeks, formed part of the programme of activities marking 80 years of Annan Riding of the Marches, with a particular focus on giving local children opportunities to get involved and experience some of the traditions associated with the town.

11/08/2026

it’s the squad of lasses tonight as they represent Annan at Sanquhar Ball! ranging from ‘83 to present.. 💙💛

10/08/2026

Congratulations to everyone involved with the inaugural Dalbeattie Riding of the Marches.

It was great to see Annan represented by past Cornet’s Lasses Toni Bell and Niamh Robson. Well Done ladies.

09/08/2026

We would like to send to all involved with Dalbeattie Riding of the Marches our very best wishes for their inaugural event today.

We hope you all have a great day and the event is an amazing success.

02/08/2026

This weekend was the turn of Langholm to showcase what a fantastic event they can organise.

The annual Common Riding took place on Friday with a a large cavalcade of horses taking part in the historic event.

Proud to play her own part in the day was former Annan Standard Bearer Jenny Park - or should we say her trusted steed Frodo did who stole the show!

Jen and Frodo provided the platform for Ray Elliot to cry the traditional fair twice on Friday morning which you can view here

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19FqhLknuz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Massive well done to Jen and Frodo for being part of this historic celebration and continuing to fly the flag for Annan at many a neighbouring event. Everyone here at Annan RoM are very proud of you!

Photo Credit: David Bell