The Hawick Common Riding Principals for 2025 are Cornet Jack Scott, Cornet’s Lass Emma Grieve, and Acting Father and Mother George and Katie Young

The excitement is building in the town as we proudly introduce the 2025 Hawick Common Riding Principals.

2025 Cornet – Jack Scott

This year’s Cornet, Jack Scott, (26) is deeply honoured to take up the role, a position he has dreamed of since first following in 2012.

Educated at Trinity Primary and Hawick High School, Jack pursued a career in joinery straight after school, completing his full-time college course before an apprenticeship with James Swinton & Co Ltd. In 2022, Jack and older brother Marc (29) founded M&JS Joinery.

Horses have always played a huge role in Jack’s life. His Common Riding journey began with Cornet Ross Nichol in 2012, riding his pony Murphy. The following year, he proudly earned his Junior Mosstroopers badge and has ridden every year since. Today, he continues to ride out regularly on his own horse, Nancy.

Outside of work, Jack enjoys early morning gym sessions at ‘The Rig’, a round of golf with friends, and spending time with his partner Emma and their dog, Ronnie. Jack and Emma first met during the Common Riding weekend of 2018, a fitting starting point for this year’s Cornet and Lass.

Jack is the son of Bryan and Suzanne Scott. His father works as a Shima Machine Operator at Barrie Knitwear, while his mother, a retired nurse, is now a Phlebotomist.

His ties to the Common Riding run deep – his uncle, Michael Aitken, is the Official Song Singer, and his late great-uncle was Ronnie Tait.

Reflecting on the moment he was asked to be Cornet, Jack recalls the overwhelming emotion:

“I couldn’t speak – and there were tears! It was a complete shock, but it quickly turned to excitement, even though I still can’t really believe it.”

His first decision as Cornet was to choose an Acting Father, and there was only one man for the job – Ex-Cornet George Young. Jack credits George for guiding him through the world of horses, saying: “Me and George get on really well, and he has taught me a lot about riding and looking after horses.”

Looking ahead, Jack is eager to meet new faces, create lifelong memories, and proudly carry the flag through the streets of Hawick. With the support of his family, friends, and townsfolk, he is ready to take on the great honour of being the 2025 Cornet.

2025 Cornet’s Lass – Emma Grieve

Emma Grieve (24) is stepping into the role of Cornet’s Lass for 2025 with immense excitement and pride, ready to support partner Jack throughout the year’s celebrations.

After attending Stirches Primary and Hawick High School, Emma began working as a pharmacy dispenser before progressing to her current role as a Pharmacy Technician in the chemotherapy unit at Borders General Hospital.

A keen sportswoman, Emma plays hockey for Fjordhus Reivers in Tweedbank, enjoys training at The Rig gym, and loves spending time outdoors, often walking the dog with Jack. While she has never ridden at the Common Riding, she did take part in several junior rides growing up, including the very first one in 2009. Her athleticism also saw her regularly competing in the 1514 Round the Mair relay race for Stirches in her younger years.

Emma is the middle daughter of Craig and Sylvia Grieve, and was raised in Hawick alongside her two sisters, Morgan and Hollie. Her family is deeply rooted in the town, with both parents working at Barrie Knitwear. Morgan is a student occupational therapist at Queen Margaret University, while Hollie works as a radiographer at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow.

Her ties to the Common Riding run deep – Ex-Cornet and Lass George and Katie Young are not only her aunt and uncle but also her godparents, and are now also her Acting Mother and Father. The family connection doesn’t end there, as her grandparents, Ivan and Margaret Young, previously held the role of Acting Father and Mother in 1988.

When asked about ‘that night’ in January when her and Jack were asked to be Cornet and Lass for 2025, Emma recalls her immediate reaction:

“I totally never expected it. I was buzzing and so excited! Especially for Jack.”

Now, as she looks ahead to the year, she is embracing every part of the experience:

“I’m looking forward to the rideouts and getting taken about in the car, but I think I’m most excited about being able to see Jack and be by his side when he gets to fulfil all of his duties, because I know it’s been a childhood dream for him and I can already see how much it all means to him.”

With a busy few months ahead, Emma admits to feeling slightly nervous about her official duties but is reassured by the strong guidance surrounding her. She is particularly excited to visit the primary schools, having enjoyed watching old videos of this tradition and the impact on the local children.

From rideouts to balls and everything in between, Emma is ready to celebrate the Common Riding to the fullest, standing proudly alongside Jack as Cornet’s Lass for 2025.

2025 Acting Mother and Father – George & Katie Young

This year’s Acting Mother and Father, George and Katie Young, are no strangers to the Common Riding. Ex-Cornet and Lass from 1999, the couple bring a wealth of experience to their roles, having lived and breathed the traditions of Hawick for decades.

George, a farmer on the family farm at The Flex, and Katie, a dental nurse at North Bridge Dental, are looking forward to a summer filled with celebration, support, and pride as they guide this year’s Cornet and Cornet’s Lass through their duties. Their connection to the Common Riding runs deep, with George’s parents Ivan and Maragret holding the roles of Acting Mother and Father in 1988.

Together, they have two children, Archie (19) and Millie (16). Archy is following his passion for horse racing, working as an apprentice jockey at Charlie Johnston’s stable in Middleham, while Millie is still in school. Both are eager to be part of this year’s festivities and share in the experience with their parents.

For George, stepping into the role of Acting Father feels different from his time as Cornet all those years ago. This time, he looks forward to getting to know new people and watching the Cornet grow into his role:

“It’s a different feeling than when I was Cornet, but I’m excited to meet new folk and watch our Cornet flourish.”

For Katie, this is a chance to experience the Common Riding from a new perspective:

“In this role, it’ll be nice to sit back and soak it all up. It’s going to be different from 1999, but in a good way.”

One of the most special aspects of this year’s celebrations for them is being able to support their niece and goddaughter, Emma, as she steps into the role of Cornet’s Lass. Seeing her take on this responsibility will undoubtedly fill them both with immense pride.

When asked about the moment they were asked to be Acting Mother and Father, they admit they were completely caught off guard. Katie recalls answering the door just after finishing her tea, only to be met with the surprise:

“You’re having a laugh!” was what came out her mouth!

In their free time, George and Katie enjoy following Archie’s racing career, getting out with their dogs, shooting in the winter, and, as Katie puts it, “ferrying Millie to her social life!”

With an exciting summer ahead, George and Katie are ready to step into their roles with pride, guiding and supporting the 2025 Cornet and Cornet’s Lass, and making lifelong memories as the 2025 ‘Big Four’.