Hawick roofer set to scale new heights after being unveiled as the man to lead town's Common Riding
Last updated 4th May 2023
Hawick roofer Euan Robson is set to scale new heights after being unveiled as the man to lead the town's Common Riding this summer.
Crowds turned out last night (Wednesday) to welcome the 26-year-old's appointment as Cornet.
He was joined by scores of schoolchildren, and their parents, on a walk around town before attending a congratulatory smoker.
"It was something else," Euan told Greatest Hits Radio. "I couldn't describe how I felt when I walked out because there was that many kids screaming; I was speechless to be honest."
The event marks the start of the countdown to a summer of festivities for the former Drumlanrig Primary and Hawick High School pupil, with the first rideout to Bonchester Bridge taking place this weekend.
When asked what he's most looking forward to, Euan said: "Everything.
"I've been brought up with the Common Riding, and I've followed it every year. That's it started now, with the rideouts; and then Common Riding week, as well, I'm looking forward to that."
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Hawick's Common Riding celebrates the capture of an English Flag in 1514 by the town's youth at a place called Hornshole.
But how do you describe it to people outwith the Borders?
"Come and experience it for yourself," Euan replied, "because I know if they came once they'd be back every year.
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His family have kept supporters fuelled with a traditional glass of milk and rum on the Friday of Common Riding Week.
But this summer Euan Robson will be the toast of Hawick, after being appointed to the role of Cornet.
"My dad's granny gave the rum and milk on the Friday before the start of the Common Riding," he explained, "and my mum and dad kept that tradition going; so we've had quite a big part to play in the Common Riding."
He'll play an even bigger role this year.
Euan will be supported by his Lass, Abigail Tofts; and his Acting Father and Mother, Doug and Sharon Waldie.
"I've known Euan quite a number of years," Doug said. "I've known his mum and dad, so from when he was born basically."
Describing his "unique" role, he added: "It's something I never ever thought I'd get, to be brutally honest with you. And I'm just going to grasp it, and go for it, and embrace it."
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