Published: Wednesday, 4th July, 2007 12:56
Standard Bearers casted for Queen
By Border Telegraph Newsroom
Print Article
BORDERERS played a key role in celebrations marking a new chapter for the Scottish Parliament on Saturday.
Selkirk Standard Bearers Cast the Colours before the Queen at the official opening of the Third Session of the Parliament.
Local hero Niki Fitzgerald of Niki’s bar in Galashiels was a special guest of honour after being nominated by MSP List for the South of Scotland Christine Grahame.
Ms Grahame picked Niki as her hero when she heard of her fundraising effort for local charities.
The MSP told the Border Telegraph: “Niki does a fantastic job for different causes.
“So far, she’s raised over £60,000 and this generosity of spirit needs to be recognised and celebrated.”
The Border Telegraph caught up with an excited Niki and asked her how her day was going.
She told us: “It’s been just amazing.
“I saw the Queen and (First Minister) Alex Salmond and the Duke of Edinburgh gave me a big smile and a wave as he went past.
“Christine looked after me so well – I felt like a Queen.
“She was introducing me to loads of people and shouted Sean Connery over to introduce me as her local hero.
“I loved every minute of it!”
Commenting on the day’s success, a spokesperson for the Scottish Parliament said: `As the Presiding Officer said in his speech, Scotland's history is full of famous Scots, men and women who have made us proud.
“From the moment the Crown of Scotland left Edinburgh castle through to the closing of the concert by Idlewild, the day was a true snapshot of modern Scotland at its best.”
Local representative Jeremy Purvis MSP joined the celebrations after lunch, following a morning spent in Galashiels at the Braw Lad’s Gathering.
Mr Purvis said: “Saturday was a double joy for me.
“To start off with the Gathering, then go up to Edinburgh to support the Selkirk Standard Bearers in the afternoon was a treat.”
Mr Purvis was instrumental in the move to incorporate the local Standard Bearers in the official ceremony.
He said: “I had asked the former Presiding Officer to invite the Standard Bearers to Cast the Colours at the official opening of the Holyrood Building in 2004.
“I am delighted that, on Saturday, the Selkirk Standard Bearers now took part in the opening.
“They participated in the Riding down the Royal Mile before Casting the Colours opposite the Scottish Parliament and in front of the Queen and Presiding Officer.
“The Casting of the Colours by the Selkirk Standard Bearers will, in my view, be the most significant element of the Queen’s visit.
“I was with them all at the Common Riding and anyone who has witnessed the Casters knows how truly memorable an occasion it is.”
He added: “I caught up with them later and they were justifiably proud.
“I think it was fitting that the Borders played such a key role in leading the procession and performing for the Queen.”
The Standard Bearers were Hammerman, Andrew Dickson; Weavers, Billy Muir; Fleshers, Colin Heatlie; Colonials, James Bunyan, Merchants; Alistair Pattullo and Ex-Soldiers, Adam Balmer.
They had not executed the Casting of the Colours together in six years and this was the first time they had performed for a large audience, not to mention the Queen.
Pupils from Philiphaugh Community School in Selkirk came along to take part in the Riding after four lucky primary six children had their names drawn from a hat.
Teacher, Monique Adami, accompanied them to Edinburgh.
She said: “We have had a number of MSPs visit the school to teach the kids about elections and get them inspired about the political system.
“So the kids got really excited when we were invited along to such a significant event.”
Behind the scenes security was tight, following suspected terrorist threats in London early on Friday morning.
It was only a few hours later that Scotland suffered her first attack, when a car was rammed into Terminal One at Glasgow Airport, though fortunately no one was hurt.
In Edinburgh, bags were scanned and searched and police were taking no chances during the procession which was occasionally called to a halt as checks were carried out.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Parliament said: “The Parliament works closely with Lothian and Borders Police at all times to ensure the safety of staff and guests – especially so for major events.
“Whilst our event was without incident, recent activity in London and Glasgow has highlighted the need for constant vigilance.”
Following the procession, guests attended an afternoon of musical entertainment outside the Parliament building.
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