The annual Common Ridings and Festivals held in each town are survivals of the old practice of riding the town’s boundaries to preserve burgh rights and to prevent encroachment by neighbouring landlords. Long after they ceased to be essential, they continued in commemoration of local legend, history and tradition.Community spirit is symbolised by the Burgh Flag or Standard, which in a colourful ceremony is "bussed" - that is ribbons are tied to the staff by the principal lass, recalling the days when a knight’s lady attached her ribbon to his lance before battle. The principals are elected annually and honoured with such titles as Standard Bearer, Cornet, Callant, Braw Lad, Reiver. On horseback they lead their followers in the festivities. Old songs and tunes are played, banners waved and local pride expressed
Kelso Civic Week was started in 1937 by John Scott, baker and Provost of the town so that Kelso Residents could enjoy Common Riding similar to the other Border towns.
The week includes a raft race, sports, gymkhana, concerts and rideouts to neighbouring villages. On Wednesday the Kelso Laddie is installed and the Standard bussed, the ceremony in the Market Square concluding with the Kelso Laddie’s Reel. Two days later the Laddie is installed as Kelso Whipman commemorating the Old Whipman’s Society of Ploughmen, once active in the town. He leads his mounted followers to a ceremony at the Trysting Tree, the traditional meeting place of the whipmen. The chief ride to Yetholm takes place on Saturday and the festival concludes with a fancy dress parade, presentation of cups and the return of the Kelso Standard to the Provost.