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Jedburgh's Ancient Hand Ba' Game Thrives
19 Feb
Summary
- Jedburgh's historic hand ba' game sees enthusiastic youth participation.
- The centuries-old sport has historical ties to fighting the English.
- Shopkeepers board up windows as the game is played in the High Street.
In the Scottish Borders town of Jedburgh, the historic hand ba' game, played annually on the first Thursday after Shrove Tuesday, is experiencing a surge in popularity. Unlike many similar street sports across the UK that have been discontinued due to disruption, this centuries-old contest, first recorded in 1704, remains a vibrant tradition.
Younger generations in Jedburgh are reportedly more enthusiastic than ever to participate, ensuring the game's future. The origins of the hand ba' are a subject of local lore, with some accounts linking it to ancient battles against the English. The game involves two teams, the Uppies and the Doonies, vying to move a ball to opposite ends of the town using only their hands.
Specific scoring involves the Uppies throwing the ball over the castle railings and the Doonies rolling it over an underground stream. Despite the potential for disruption on the High Street, shopkeepers have adapted by boarding up their windows. The diversion of the A68 road many years ago has also helped mitigate traffic issues, preserving the game's integrity for future participants.
