Society History

Selkirk Colonial Society was founded in Canada in 1910 by exiles from the town of Selkirk, Scotland.

Their prime objective was to provide a flag - a "Golden Banner" - and send it back to their home town. This flag would become both a powerful symbol and rallying point for Selkirk's exiles who return each year in June, from all parts of the world, to attend the Selkirk Common Riding.

Although founded in Canada, Selkirk Colonial Society is based in the Scottish Borders town of Selkirk, a Royal and Ancient Burgh, rich in history and character.

The Society and it's traditions are woven into the fabric of Selkirk Common Riding.  Every year we welcome both exiles and overseas visitors to the Common Riding, incorporating them into a group, or extended family, so that they may become participants in our Common Riding.

Each year a Colonial Standard Bearer is appointed to carry the "Golden Banner" and is charged to "cast" his flag in Selkirk's ancient Market Place on Common Riding morning along with Selkirk's six other appointed Standard Bearers, the most senior of which is the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer.

Our members come from all parts of the globe as can be seen from the map below which highlights the countries who have supplied the Society with a Standard Bearer over the years.

To learn more about our history, go to the ARCHIVE SECTION of the web site.