Royal Engagement in Ancient Scottish Sport
King Charles recently took part in a centuries-old hand ba' game in Jedburgh, located in the Scottish Borders. This high-energy street sport, believed by historians to have originated using a captured soldier's head as the ball, saw the monarch officially commence an exhibition match.
Despite some protective actions from his security detail when the play momentarily neared him, the King remained unharmed. The game, a key part of his visit to the town, showcased a unique aspect of Scottish tradition.
The Dynamics of Hand Ba'
The Jedburgh hand ba' game involves two teams: the Uppies, who endeavor to move the ribboned ball towards the town's castle, and the Doonies, who aim to transport it towards the Jedwater. Charlie Young, president of the Jethart Callants Club, provided King Charles with insights into the sport's historical and somewhat 'lawless' nature during the event.
"King Charles got a bit of a shock when the play swung in his direction and a few of the security guys had to come a bit closer," Young remarked. "But what an honour for us to have the King put the ball up and into play."
While only about 14 traditional hand ba' games are reportedly still held regularly across Britain, King Charles noted that this was not his first encounter with the ancient sport, having previously initiated the Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide game in Derbyshire.
Even though the exhibition match lasted only three minutes, it offered considerable entertainment. Tam Miller, an experienced hand ba' player, expressed his pride:
"This is our tradition that goes back 500 years and it's a great honour for us to have the King start one of our games. Our hand ba' is still well supported by the younger men in the town - and we can now call it the royal hand ba' game from now on."
Festival Celebrations and Royal Walkabout
The royal visit coincided with the commencement of the Jethart Callant's Festival. Town principals, arriving on horseback, met His Majesty and subsequently led a traditional reel dance in the market square. Callant Robbie Thomson shared his excitement:
"Riding up the street with the flag and seeing the King waiting for us was absolutely brilliant. King Charles had lot of questions about the dancing and the rideouts we are doing during the festival. The festival is only just starting but this feels like the icing on the cake already."
King Charles spent over three hours in Jedburgh, engaging with local retailers, market traders, and the numerous individuals who gathered to welcome him. He also received a guided tour of a local company specializing in insulation materials made from UK hemp crops.
This engagement was part of Royal Week in Scotland, a series of royal commitments north of the border, which began with the King's arrival at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh for the Ceremony of the Keys and an investiture.
Source: Original Article
