King Charles launched the historic Hand Ba' tradition in Jedburgh on July 2, 2026, during Royal Week in Scotland, tossing the traditional leather ball into the air to start one of the country's oldest sporting contests. Dating back to 1704, the annual full-contact game divides local men and boys into two teams—the Uppies and the Doonies—based on where they live in the town. The objective is to carry the hand-stitched ball to each team's designated end, with the entire town serving as the playing field through streets, closes, and open spaces.
Royal Week Celebrations in Jedburgh
The King's visit coincided with the Jethart Callant festival, part of the common ridings held across the Scottish Borders each year. A pipe band led a procession up the main street, followed by horses led by the Callant—a young man chosen annually to lead the festival. After dismounting, the Callant and his entourage performed a traditional reel on the square to accordion music, as crowds clapped along.
Charles also toured local businesses and a market around the bandstand, where stallholders presented him with gifts including local honey and a hand-made shepherd's crook topped with a goat horn. At the Jed Shed, a community space for carpentry and crafts, the King helped screw the roof onto a birdhouse and discussed how the facility supports members' physical and mental wellbeing.
Community Turnout and Royal Engagement
Crowds gathered in warm sunshine for the first royal visit to the town since the Princess Royal opened the bandstand in 2006. Schoolchildren waved saltires and Union flags as Charles arrived, and hundreds of well-wishers lined his route. Shaun Carroll, chairman of the Jedburgh Royal British Legion, was among those who met the King. The 59-year-old said he was "chuffed to bits" that Charles stopped to chat, asking about Legion recruitment of younger members. Carroll added: "What an honour for the town and the small businesses here. It’s been great, absolutely great."
The King's engagements began on Tuesday at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh with the Ceremony of the Keys and an investiture, continuing Royal Week across Scotland.
