Police warn: Arrive early for Hizzy funeral

Police are warning anyone planning to attend Steve Hislop’s funeral on Thursday that they should arrive early.

The funeral of the British Superbike Champion, who died in a helicopter on Wednesday July 30, will be held at 12:30pm at Teviot Church, Hawick.

But Inspector Kevin Murray of Hawick Police, says those attending should be in Hawick for 10am.

The force has no way of telling how many people will turn out to pay their respects, but Murray feels arrangements are in place to cope.

” We understand that a lot of riders will want to take part in the cortege and give Hizzy a good send off, ” said Murray. ” We are doing everything that we can to make sure that it all goes smoothly and we can accommodate everyone that wants to get involved. All I ask is that people arrive in good time for the start of the service and follow the signs to the designated parking areas. ”

All traffic will be directed to park in the Common Haugh car park, a two-minute walk from the church.

Loudspeakers will be placed around the church to make sure that even if room in the building runs out, all mourners will be able to take part in the service.

After the service the funeral cortege will leave Hawick for Southdean cemetery, near Bonchester. Riders are welcome to join the procession on bikes, which will make its way down Hawick High Street before heading to the cemetery.

There is no large car park at the cemetery but police have set aside a field near the site. Murray inspected the site today and says it is firm enough to cope with a bike but suggests riders bring something to place under their sidestands just in case.

Everyone is welcome to go to the Horse and Hounds pub in Bonchester after the burial. There will be no official procession but police will be directing people in to another nearby field for parking.

If you’re planning to ride to Hawick on Thursday and would like to organise a ride-in, send the details to mcn.online@emap.com.