We have been learning about this very special custom, which occurs every 21 years. The project began with an interest in horses and how they were used in the past and now in the present. When the children heard that a special celebration will take place in July, called the Riding of the Marches, their interest grew. They have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the principles and the turf cutting stations and are able to discuss this with enthusiasm. On a daily basis, we hear them cry, “It’s a oor ain.” We would like to thank Mr Alan Williams, Halberdier in the ROTM 2016, and Grandad to two of our nursery children. He visited this week and (in Charlotte’s own words) told a great story about Musselburgh, explaining this very old custom and the reasons for protecting the boundaries of Musselburgh. The children were very excited to see the ‘Halberd’.

We have decorated our garden with ‘yarn bomb’ decorations of our own as part of our preparations for the upcoming event and are looking after the flowers we have planted to ensure our garden is beautiful for the celebration.