Hawick is proud to announce Jack Scott as the 2025 Cornet, a role he takes on with immense honour and enthusiasm. A lifelong follower of the Common Riding, Jack has been part of the tradition since 2012 and is now preparing for his most important year yet.
Jack, 26, is the son of Bryan and Suzanne Scott. His father works as a Shima Machine Operator at Barrie Knitwear, while his mother, a retired nurse, now works as a Phlebotomist. He has an older brother, Marc, and together they co-founded their own business, M&JS Joinery Ltd, in 2022.
Jack’s journey with the Common Riding began when he followed Cornet Ross Nichol in 2012 on his pony, Murphy. The following year, he proudly earned his Junior Mosstroopers badge, and from that moment on, he never missed a year. Now, he is ready to lead the celebrations, carrying the flag for his town.
Beyond his passion for riding, Jack is an early riser who enjoys training at The Rig gym, playing golf, and spending time with his partner Emma and their dog, Ronnie. The Common Riding holds special significance for the couple, as they first met on Common Riding weekend in 2018, a fitting starting point for this year’s Cornet and Lass.
The honour of Cornet’s Lass for 2025 has been given to Emma Grieve, who is thrilled to be taking on the role alongside Jack Scott. With a deep family history in the Common Riding and a strong connection to the town, Emma is excited for the incredible year ahead.
Emma, daughter of Craig and Sylvia Grieve, grew up in Hawick with her two sisters, Morgan (28) and Hollie (23). Both of her parents work at Barrie Knitwear, while Morgan is training to be an Occupational Therapist at Queen Margaret University and Hollie works as a Radiographer at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow.
After attending Stirches Primary and Hawick High School, Emma began working in pharmacy as a dispenser, progressing to her current role as a Pharmacy Technician in the Chemotherapy Unit at Borders General Hospital.
A keen sportswoman, she plays hockey for Fjordhus Reivers, enjoys training at The Rig, and loves spending time outdoors, often walking the dog with Jack. Although she has never ridden in the Common Riding itself, she participated in junior rideouts, including the very first one in 2009, and frequently competed in the race around The Mair during her youth.
Ex-Cornet and Lass George and Katie Young have been chosen as Acting Mother and Father for 2025, bringing with them a wealth of experience from their time as principals in 1999.
George, a farmer, and Katie, a dental nurse at North Bridge Dental, are well-prepared for their new roles, with George’s parents having been Acting Mother and Father in 1988. This history makes their appointment even more meaningful, and they are excited to take everything in from a new perspective.
Their children, Archie (19) and Millie (16), are also looking forward to the year ahead. Archie is an apprentice jockey at Charlie Johnston’s racing stable in Middleham, while Millie is still at school. Both are excited to be involved in the celebrations this year.