Cornet
Cornet Euan Reilly (23) is the eldest son of Lynn and Tony. His Younger Brother Aiden (21) is employed as a Funeral Director at John Beattie and Co and Hopes to Support his Brother at several rides outs this year.
Euan was educated at Wilton Primary School and Hawick High School. He then took up and apprenticeship with James Swinton and Co where he qualified as a Joiner. He currently Works for SBHA.
Euan first followed Cornet Craig Rodgerson in 2004 and has followed every year since. He gained his Mosstroopers badge on his pony Lala in 2004. Euan learned to ride Lala with Help from Mark and Ex-Acting Father Phil Nichol and was thrilled to win best turned out pony in 2005. This year Euan will be riding his trusted steed Molly on loan from Lesley Douglas.
As well as the Common Riding his other intrests include football, golf and darts. He is a member of Hawick Golf Club and is the Goalkeeper for Hawick Legion. Euan is also a very keen Hibs supporter..
Euan is very much looking forward to joining the long list of Hawick Cornets and Hopes to do Hawick proud. He would like to wish the townsfolk of Hawick a “Teesh” common riding and looks forward to sharing the experience ‘Wi Teries yin and a!.
Cornet’s Lass
Our Cornets Lass for 2016 is Lisa McLean of Fearnelea, Hartwoodburn, Selkirk. Lisa is the eldest daughter of Keith and Karen. She has a younger brother Michael who recently joined the Royal Navy and is currently training in portsmouth. Her younger sister Rachel is a self employed Child Minder.
Lisa attened St Josephs Primary School and Selkirk High School. She then went on to complete her SVQ III in Racehorse Managment at Doncaster Racing School working with racehorses until recently when she started workas a secretary with her dad at Keith McLean Carpets..
Lisa First followed at Selkirk Common-Riding on horseback at 9 years old. She is a Keen Supporter at Hawick and has followed for many years. When not looking after her horses at home, she enjoys walking her dog Blu, socialising with friends and the occational day spent hunting.
Lisa can’t wait to be the Cornet’s Lass and is looking forward to watching Euan Carry the Banner Blue. She hopes that the sun shines on us all and that everyone enjoys the Common Riding.
Acting Father and Mother
This years Acting Father and Mother are Stuart Sharkey and his wife Caja. Stuart and Caja have been married for nine years and have three daughters named Lily, Lola and Ruby. The older girls are very excited about their parents roles at the Common-Riding this year and as always are looking forward to watching their father on horseback at the rides out and the Common Riding.
The Acting Father was born in 1963 and attended Drumlanrig Primary and Hawick High Schools. Stuart began his working life as a hand intarsia knitter at W. Gladston and Son. From there, he started his carpet business which he ran for 15 years and then took employment at Emtelle as Transport Supervisor whilst owning Jock Reids since 2007.
Stuart first rode the Common-Riding in 1975 on a pony call Mara following Cornet Charlie McCrerie. He then bought his first horse called Bindy, 21 years ago and has followed every year since.
Stuart has always had a passion for horses and as much as he can supports other Border towns at their Rides out. He has passed his love of horses on to the girls and has been giving Lily and Lola lesson on their pony Benji. If it were up to them Benji would have his own room in the house! As well as spending time with his family, Stuart enjoys training the young lads at the Steve Lyons Gym and is a keen runner.
Acting Mother, Caja was born in 1980 and educated at Cuiken and Hawick high School. She then went into the family business after studying for an HND in Business Managment at Borders College. Caja now enjoys looking after their three young girls and runs Jock Reids Bar with Stuart.
Both Stuart and Caja are delighted and extremely honoured to be part of Euan and Lisa’s special year and wish then and everyone else a fantastic Common-Riding.
‘What though our lads are wild a wee’.