In pictures: Two ‘tribes’ of Jedburgh collide for annual Hand Ba’ match
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Feb 2019, 14:03 GMT
Boys tussle for the leather ball during the annual 'Fastern's E'en Hand Ba' event on Jedburgh's High Street in the Scottish Borders. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday February 7, 2019. The annual event, which started in the 1700's, traditionally the first ever game was played with an Englishman's head, involves two teams, the Uppies (residents from the higher part of Jedburgh) and the Doonies (residents from the lower part of Jedburgh) getting the ball to either the top or bottom of the town. The ball, which is made of leather, stuffed with straw and decorated with ribbons representing hair, is thrown into the crowd to begin the game. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
THE youths of Jedburgh were running hell for leather today as one of Scotland’s oldest annual events, Fastern’s E’en Hand Ba’, got under way in the town centre.
The annual game, which can trace its origins back to the 1700s, involves two teams, the Uppies (residents from the higher part of the town) and the Doonies (those from the lower part) getting the ball - which is said to represent the head of an Englishman - to either the top or bottom of the town. The ball, which is made of leather, stuffed with straw and decorated with ribbons representing hair, is thrown into the crowd to begin the game.
Shops are boarded up ahead of the annual 'Fastern's E'en Hand Ba' event on Jedburgh's High Street.
Boys chase the leather ball up the hill past cars during the annual 'Fastern's E'en Hand Ba' event.
Over a dozen different balls are used throughout the day.
Around 100 turned up to take part in the men's match, which takes place every year.
The leather ball is held during the annual 'Fastern's E'en Hand Ba' event on Jedburgh's High Street.
Boys run down the hill with the leather ball during the annual 'Fastern's E'en Hand Ba' event on Jedburgh's High Street.
Traditionally the first ever game was played with an Englishman's head.
Pictured is the Schule Ba ahead of the annual 'Fastern's E'en Hand Ba' event.
