Hawick High Street will be transformed into a celebration of active travel, local businesses and community spirit on 12 September as our RIDONKULOUS campaign brings its Great Street Day to the town.
Taking place from 10am to 4pm, the event will bring together schools, community organisations, local partners and the Hawick Farmers Market for a day of activities, entertainment and family-friendly fun designed to encourage more people to walk, wheel, scoot, cycle and make the most of the town’s active travel network.
Great Street Day
RIDONKULOUS is our behaviour change campaign encouraging people to think differently about short journeys and consider more active ways of getting around. The project has received funding from SEStran and Transport Scotland, supporting work to encourage more people to walk, wheel, scoot and cycle for everyday journeys. In Hawick, the campaign has been supported by local Agents of Change, including pupils from Hawick’s primary schools and high school, who have helped spread the message across the community.
During the Great Street Day, the prizewinners of the schools’ video competition will be showcased, highlighting the creativity and enthusiasm of young people who have taken part in the campaign.
The event will also see four well-known local Hawick figures recognised as Honorary Agents of Change. Hawick Community Council members Cameron Knox, Kevin Marsh and Graham Ford, alongside Convener Councillor Watson McAteer. They have been offered the honorary roles in recognition of their support for the campaign and their commitment to helping create a more vibrant, accessible and people-friendly Hawick. As Honorary Agents of Change, they will continue to champion the RIDONKULOUS message locally and encourage conversations about how small changes to the way people travel can make a positive difference to the town.
Councillor Jenny Linehan, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Sustainability and Transport
“RIDONKULOUS is about much more than how we get from A to B. It’s about bringing people together, supporting our high street and making Hawick a place where people want to walk, wheel and cycle. Having passionate local voices supporting the campaign is hugely important, and we’re delighted to welcome Cameron, Kevin, Graham and Watson as Honorary Agents of Change.
“We are grateful to Hawick for taking the RIDONKULOUS Behaviour Change Pilot to their hearts. The Pilot Study has been ambitious and supported in Hawick, driven by the Agents of Change to encourage users to benefit fully from the Active Travel Network which was delivered as part of the Flood Protection Works.
“I am delighted to say that the RIDONKULOUS Campaign has been shortlisted for a National Transport Award the results will be announced on 1st October 2026.”
Activities on the day will include a treasure hunt, live music, Spot the Donkey, led cycle rides, guided walks, trishaw rides, decorate your bike, a smoothie bike, a golden ticket prize draw, a quiet zone and a dog zone. Community organisations including Teri Bikes, HAPi, Just Cycle, Hike and Bike Hub and Walk It will also have stands on the High Street.
Walk It will lead guided walks on the new RIDONKULOUS Bridges Trail, giving people the opportunity to explore more of Hawick on foot while learning about the town’s active travel routes.
The event will feature activities, entertainment, cycling and family-friendly fun, alongside the Hawick Farmers Market. Thanks to the Hawick Community Council who have been the most engaged partner bringing these two exciting Events together. Their support and ambition is very much appreciated - reflecting the strong community backing for RIDONKULOUS in Hawick.
Everyone is welcome to come along to Hawick High Street on Saturday 12 September between 10am and 4pm to enjoy the activities, support local businesses and find out more about how active travel can help make short journeys healthier, easier and more enjoyable.