It’s King Chuck

Opening gambit’s perfect pitch for big day in Borders

- BY NEIL POORAN AND NICK FORBES

THE King started a centuries-old traditional handball game during his visit to Jedburgh, as part of Royal Week in Scotland.

The annual game of hand ba’, which has been played in the Borders town since 1704, was one of a number of events that marked Charles’s visit yesterday.

The King started the game in the main square by tossing a leather ball into the air above a group of local men. He then took a step back and looked on as the competitors wrestled for the ball in a heap on the ground in front of him.

The full-contact game sees men and boys split into two teams based on where they live in the town — the Uppies and the Doonies.

Reel

The King’s visit came during the town’s annual Jethart Callant festival, which is part of the “common ridings” held across the Borders each year.

Charles watched as a pipe band marched up the main street, followed by a colourful procession of horses led by the Callant — a young man chosen each year to lead the festival and represent the town.

After dismounting, the Callant and his entourage danced a traditional reel on the square in front of Charles, to the music of a single accordion, while crowds of onlookers clapped.