Published: Wednesday, 20th June, 2007 15:11
New-look town square is perfect stage for cavalcade
By Border Telegraph Newsroom
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MELROSE belonged to Iain Oliver on Monday night.
The 2007 Melrosian was in jubilant mood as he led a mounted cavalcade of 233 riders into the new-look Market Square.
The massive town centre facelift provided the perfect stage for the conclusion of the ride-out and the pedestrian-friendly layout offered fine vantage points for hundreds of Melrose residents and visitors.
Melrose and District Pipes and Drums marched at the head of the procession and the Melrosian’s supporters, Right-hand Man David Crawford and Left-hand Man Brynmor Thom, encouraged onlookers to cheer and clap.
Despite overcast skies, the pleasant evening attracted all ages to the square, many visitors seeing the improvement works for the first time.
Melrosian Oliver and his supporters were greeted warmly by joint chairman Mac Brown, who thanked the landowners and ride-out organiser Grant Hogg for their contribution to the event.
He also acknowledged the participation of the Silver Jubilee Melrosian, Grant Roden.
Mr Brown said: “Melrosian Oliver has carried out his duties in an exemplary fashion and no doubt he has derived considerable pleasure and satisfaction in leading the cavalcade, which included many principals and visitors from the neighbouring towns.”
The joint chairman then presented an inscribed hunting crop to Iain as a memento of the occasion.
The Melrosian said: “It has been both a pleasure and a very great privilege to have led so many riders around the town and surrounding countryside tonight.
“I was really pleased we were able to ford the Tweed as that is one of the highlights of the ride.
“My horse, Patrick, was brilliant and it was a very different experience from my last Melrose ride-out, completed on a small pony called Mouse.”
Iain thanked the riders and town principals for following him and expressed his gratitude to the people who had turned out to support him.
Catherine Crawford, the mother of the 2006 Melrosian, then made presentations to the following riders: Granton Trophy and Webster Medal (for the youngest rider not on a lead rein), Lucinda Crawford; Bon Accord Trophy (for the oldest rider), Bob Muir; Lowes Cup (for the smartest junior rider under 12), Callum MacDonald; Priorwood Trophy (for the best turned-out rider and mount), Jackie Munro.
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