| Where: | West Linton, Peeblesshire from village centre, Station Road |
| When: | 1st Week of June with Rideout on Saturday |
| Time: | 10am Rideout |
The Whipman and his Lass are a locally elected couple who lead the festivities each year in June, of which the high point is the Ride Out on the Saturday,a typical Borders Common Riding custom. Originally it took place in July on Thursdays but was moved some time ago as greater attendance was possible at the weekend. The Whipman Play is the name of the whole festival, which spreads over the adjoining days with numerous sporting and other events to include the whole community. The Cycle Rideout and Wheelbarrow Race are highlights! One of the best views for pedestrians of the cavalcade is at the Ford (just west of the main street where the horses splash through the river.
Helpful Hints
The festival begins on the Friday before the first Saturday in June, with the Rideout on the Saturday.
In 2026 the full Festival should run from Friday 5th June to Saturday 13th June with the Whipman Rideout on Saturday 6th.
For the best view of the ford crossing, walk over the footbridge away from the village and you’ll see the horses approaching from the village side. Printed programmes are available at the local shops.
Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Whipmanplay/
Click here for the event website : http://www.whipman.com/
Just by chance I met with Sheila and Neil Forsyth at Peebles during the Beltane Festival on 21st June 2025. We discovered that we all went to Newlands Primary school at Romano Bridge 1960c. My father was Shepperd at Flemington Farm and we lived at Whiteside which was part of Flemington. At that time the horses at Flemington were prepared for the Whitman’s Parade. I have a photo which I would like to share. I don’t know the year the photo was taken. The Whipman’s partner in this photo was Kay Ellis. I cannot remember the names of the other riders, but I do know the names of all the horses.
I moved to Australia in 1968. I am visiting family until 1st July 2025
Please pass on my email address to Sheila Forsyth and send her my regards,
Audrey Dickins
Hi Audrey,
I’ve put your message up on the calendarcustoms website but we don’t have any connection to the running of the festival so I think you’d be more likely get through your friends if you contact them via their website at https://www.whipman.com to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Whipmanplay/ . Hope you manage to make contact!
Best wishes,
Averil