Kirkcudbright Riding of the Marches has been cancelled for a second year due to the Covid crisis.
The organisers announced the decision in a statement this week.
It said: “Unfortunately, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the executive committee of the Kirkcudbright Cornets Club has regrettably had to make the decision to cancel all events relating to the Kirkcudbright Riding of the Marches 2021.
“This decision was not taken lightly. However, concerns over public health and the committee’s ability to effectively organise the associated events in these testing times has meant this was the only viable option for the second year running.”
The pandemic could also derail Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities’ 50th anniversary celebrations.
The hard-working band of volunteers usually puts on a packed programme of events during the summer, including a parade, country fair and spectacular floodlit tattoo.
But the need for social distancing means its calendar is facing ruin for the second year running.
Chairman John Blaikie said: “I started the year optimistic but I’m now pessimistic.
“This is our 50th anniversary year but we don’t know if we’ll be able to celebrate.
“There’s no way we can do the bigger events such as Scottish nights, classic car rallies and the tattoo with social distancing.
“All the acts are booked, everything is ready to go but we don’t know if we can.”
A decision on whether to proceed will be made by the end of May at the latest with the monthly car boot sales already falling by the wayside.
But there is some positive news. The monthly farmers’ markets will return in the town centre on Sunday, March 28 – the first since last year’s festive period.
And there are also plans to hold the annual plant fair in the town next month.
“People are looking for something to do, they just need someone to put their toe in the water. I know some of the other markets are starting up too.”
