Jedburgh welcomed His Majesty The King today, 2 July, as the town came together for a memorable Royal visit during this year’s Jethart Callant Festival.
Local people and visitors lined the streets to enjoy one of the Borders’ most distinctive and historic community celebrations, with music, horses, local traders, traditional customs and a warm Jedburgh welcome all forming part of the day.
His Majesty began the visit at Jedforest Bandstand and Park, where he met independent traders against a backdrop of live music and performances, speaking with stallholders and members of the local community.
The Bandstand has its own Royal connection, having been opened by The Princess Royal in April 2006, the last time Jedburgh had been visited by a member of the Royal Family.
The King then walked through the town, meeting local residents on his way to the Jed Shed. His Majesty watched a short carpentry demonstration in its workshop and joined members briefly at the workbench, trying his hand at a little carpentry, before meeting members in the social space to hear how the Shed has supported their physical and mental wellbeing.
Jethart Callant Festival
The visit continued in Jedburgh Town Square, where The King joined members of the community for the Jethart Callant Festival, part of the traditional Common Ridings held across the Scottish Borders. The festival celebrates the historic riding of town boundaries with music, parades and community gatherings. Jedburgh’s festival is the largest in the region, running for two weeks.
His Majesty watched a procession of horses led by the Callant, preceded by a pipe band. The Callant, a young man chosen each year to lead the historic festival and represent the town, was accompanied by his entourage, who performed a traditional reel.
The King was also invited to start the game of hand ba’, a historic street sport played annually in Jedburgh since 1704, before meeting members of the public and visiting local businesses including Briggsys Quality Butcher’s, Stems of Jedburgh and Jedburgh Chocolate House.
Ryan Briggs, owner of Briggsys Quality Butchers
“The King took a real interest in our drying units, the native breeds we use, and the fact that our beef comes from just six miles away.
“He was particularly interested in the dry rib roast, which we were delighted to give him to take away.
“It was excellent for the town to see the streets lined with people. High streets everywhere face challenges, so occasions like this help bring people in, celebrate what we have locally and highlight the importance of independent traders.”
Stems of Jedburgh, owner Sarah Learmonth
“The whole visit was incredibly exciting, and His Majesty immediately put us at ease.
“He asked where our flowers came from, and we were able to tell him about the local and British flowers we had in. He also wanted to know more about the Jethart Callant Festival and what it means to the town.
“It was a really lovely moment for us and one we will remember for a very long time.”
Gabrielle Hackney, owner of Jedburgh Chocolate House
“It was a fantastic honour to have His Majesty visit, especially just after we have renovated and extended the shop.
“He met our chocolate maker Linda and we talked about the Jedburgh connection with chocolate snails, linked to his nanny being from the town.
“We were able to give His Majesty some of our chocolates, including Mutagga Rum Truffles made with our own distilled rum, whisky truffles, dark mints and chocolate snails. He was very witty and quickly made everyone feel comfortable. It was a wonderful experience.”
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Deputy Leader of Scottish Borders Council and local member for Jedburgh and District
“It has been a very special day for Jedburgh and a real honour to welcome His Majesty The King to the town.
“The visit was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the strong sense of community, heritage and local pride that make Jedburgh so special. From the Jethart Callants Festival and the hand ba’, to the welcome shown by local residents, traders and community groups, the town has shown itself at its very best.
“I know this will be a day that many people in Jedburgh and across the Scottish Borders will remember for a long time.”
John Jeffrey, Lord-Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale
“I am extremely grateful to everyone who played a part in preparing for today and ensuring the visit ran so smoothly
“From the community groups and local businesses to those involved in the Jethart Callant Festival, a great deal of work went into making this a memorable occasion. It was a very proud moment to see Jedburgh welcome His Majesty with such warmth.”
The visit follows Their Majesties’ visit to the Scottish Borders in July 2023, shortly after the Coronation, when The King and Queen visited Galashiels and Selkirk and thousands of people turned out to welcome them to the region.
Independent traders at Jedforest Bandstand included Borders Meringues, Woodside Garden Centre, Abbey Bridge Café, Fine Feathers, Central Borders Red Squirrel Network, Jed Valley Swim and Gordon Leitch who presented the King with a handmade shepherd's crook topped with a goat's horn. One of several locally made gifts presented to the King on his visit.