Flying the flag for Selkirk: Standard Bearer reflects on 'emotional' day as town turns out to celebrate its annual Common Riding
Last updated 14th Jun 2024
Crowds packed into the centre of Selkirk for the annual Casting of the Colours.
The flag-waving ceremony is one of the highlights of the town’s Common Riding - a week-long series of events celebrating its history.
Leading this year's festivities is Standard Bearer Mathew Stanners - 30 years after his father Craig took on the role.
The 25-year-old - who works for Border Safeguard - had earlier led a cavalcade of horses on a ride round the boundaries of the town.
And, despite the rain, hundreds of well-wishers lined the streets to show their support.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio after stepping off the stage, Mathew - who first rode the marches in 2007 - said: "I'm just on cloud nine; over the moon!
"I was up at 4am this morning when the alarm went off and I think I got in about midnight last night, so there wasn't much sleep had, but that's what it's all about."
Nevertheless, he added: "That's it! Everything I've waited for is now been and gone, and it's very emotional."
The day began with the flute band rousing local residents in the early hours. That was followed by an Act of Remembrance, to remember the fallen, at the town's war memorial at 5.30am.
Mathew said: "We're just keeping it (our traditions) going; and it just shows how much it means to the people of Selkirk to see everyone coming back year on year to be here."
It was Rodney Pow's first Common Riding as Provost of Selkirk. He said the whole week had been "surreal" and all the Principals have been a credit to their town.
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