Sanquhar's annual Riding of the Marches event came to a close after another bumper year at the weekend.

A series of events starting on Friday, August 9 culminated in the main day on Saturday, August 18, before being rounded off with a torchlight procession, bonfire and fireworks on Sunday.


Events included pipe band performances, the crowning of queen Lucy Gallacher, installation of the principals, ride outs all week, bonfire and fireworks, and loads more.

According to the Town of Sanquhar website, the event dates back as far as 1730, and has been a staple in village for all those years.


After years away from the streets, it was revived in 1910, and has only been missed in 2020 due to coronavirus.

The events have become a pillar of life in Sanquhar and the surrounding communities over the years, with businesses, groups and charities all benefitting from the huge crowds every year.


With a lot going into the events, planning will already be well underway for next year's marches.

The Sanquhar Riding of the Marches group is chaired by Ian Nisbet, with Scott Jamieson as Vice Chair.


A spokesperson for the group said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who put in so much hard work to make the pageant parade a success again this year.

"A big thank you to those on lorries, walkers (and bikes!) and the bands.

"A special big thank you must go to the drivers and companies who are the driving force behind the day.


"So, thank you to Walter Marchbank Haulage, Stephen Donnelly Transport, Spittal Haulage, Brown Brothers, Annandale Transport Company, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Dumfries and Galloway Council - and all drivers involved - without you we couldn’t do what we do".

Photos were supplied by Andrew McDowall Jnr.