Whipman Week 2000

Whipman is one of the older Border Festivals having originated from the annual agricultural holiday and fayre in 1803, when "the men of Linton for the bettering of themselves and their children, formed a Benevolent Society, they being known as 'The Whipmen of Linton.' "

Commencing in the first week in June, it is today a nine day festival which begins by celebrating a local couple in the form of the Whipman (meaning carter) and his Lass.

In 2000 the Whipman was Davie Gilchrist and the Whipman's Lass was his wife Jane, seen left.

Centred around the historic installation ceremony, the event includes the rideout, dancing, sporting events, outdoor competitions, a bonfire, barbecue... in fact, something for everyone.

The photograph on the left shows the Rideout crossing the Lyne on Saturday the 3rd June 2000.

The Whipman Play originated in the early nineteenth century in connection with the local horseman's society.

It was revived in 1931. It is a well-known local fact that if you want to find out who is going to be elected Whipman, look out for a couple who have never ridden before suddenly taking an all-consuming interest in equestrianism.

Well, enough of an interest to avoid the disgrace of falling off during the fording of the Lyne...