'I've been waiting for this for a long time, and now it's finally here I'm just absolutely buzzing'
Thomas Bell is appointed Royal Burgh Standard Bearer for 2023...
Last updated 28th Apr 2023
The countdown to a summer of festivities is continuing in the Borders.
Thomas Bell will lead the Common Riding in Selkirk after being appointed this year's Royal Burgh Standard Bearer.
The 27-year-old, who works as a deputy course manager at Roxburghe golf course, was carried shoulder high around the town following his unveiling last night (Friday).
And crowds turned out to show their support.
When asked how he felt, Thomas, whose cousin Gavin Henderson was Standard Bearer in 2012, told Greatest Hits Radio: "Absolutely delighted! It's something else - it's hard to put into words.
"I've been waiting for this for a long time, and now it's finally here I'm just absolutely buzzing."
The former St Joseph's Primary and Selkirk High School pupil, who also attended Oatridge College in West Lothian and Elmwood College in Fife, is supported by his Attendants - Mathew Stanners, Sam Coltherd, Fraser Easson and Thomas Stanners.
When asked what makes the Common Riding so special, Thomas, who will also represent the Royal Burgh at other towns festivals this summer, said: "It's just the community spirit, everyone coming together. New friendships and old friendships, that's what it's all about; having a great time.
"My good friend, Douglas Gunn, was Standard Bearer in 2010 and that's what kick-started it for me. I knew I wanted to be Royal Burgh Standard Bearer.
"Then my cousin, Gavin Henderson, was Standard Bearer in 2012 and my dad Graeme Bell was the Weavers' Standard Bearer in the same year. I actually followed Gavin on horseback, and it was amazing."
And he added: "It's great to see everyone out tonight supporting me."
Crowds gathered in the centre of Selkirk to eagerly await the doors of the town hall bursting open at 7pm to huge cheers, before Selkirk Silver Band led a procession through the town to the Appointment Night dance in the Victoria Hall.
The Common Riding, which celebrates the history of the town, is traditionally held on the second Friday after the first Monday in June, and boasts one of the largest cavalcades of horses and riders in Europe.
When asked what he's most looking forward to, Thomas replied: "Absolutely everything." But, he added: "Mostly cantering up the Toll with the flag, leading the cavalcade, and then Casting the flag in the Market Place."
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