Hawick Cornet riding high after leading town's Common Riding
Last updated 7th Jun 2024
Ryan Nichol is riding high after flying the flag for Hawick at this year's Common Riding.
The Cornet led a cavalcade of horses and riders round the boundaries of the town as part of a series of events celebrating its history.
And crowds of well-wishers lined the streets to show their support.
Ryan - who's also had the backing of his Lass Kirsty McAllan, as well as Acting Mother and Father, Susan and Shane Coltman - admits it’s a day he’ll never forget.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio after returning the Banner Blue to the Town Hall on Friday evening, Ryan said: "It will probably take a few months for it to set in; supposing you've wanted to do something as long and then it happens.
"It's as much for them (family and friends) as it is for me.
"I do it every year anyway, following that is. It's a lot different at the front - it's a lot better," he smiled. "It's a real privilege."
Friday's festivities got underway when the Drum and Fife Band set off from Kirk Wynd at 6am, and the party is set to continue long into the weekend.
It was Hawick councillor Clair Ramage's first in her new role of Honorary Provost. She said: "It's been a great day today, and obviously last night as well - my first time doing the Colour Bussing, which was really exciting and it just went so well.
"This morning it was a bit windy, a bit wet; but that has cleared up now and we have a beautiful blue sky, and we've got the sun. And the Cornet Ryan Nichol, and his Lass, Kirsty, have done the town proud."
A world bowls champion was this year's Chief Guest. Local lass Julie Forrest joined the Provost on the banks of the River Teviot as the Cornet, supported by his Right and Left Hand Men, dipped the flag staff into the water three times to mark the boundary before making his way back to the Town Hall.
She said: "It's unbelievable! A lot of work goes on in the background that we don't see normally, folk have been that nice. I can't believe the amount of riders this year as well, it's been absolutely brilliant."
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