IT was up wi’ the Souters on Friday as Selkirk celebrated its Common Riding in style.

Frae a’ the airts they descended on the Royal and Ancient Burgh to feast on tradition, celebration and ceremony.

For most it was day to savour.

But for one family it was a day they will never forget.

Standard Bearer Rory Monks gleamed with pride from the moment he gathered the Royal Burgh Flag on the balcony of the Victoria Hall.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Keith, and grandfather, Drysdale, the 28-year-old led his town with a reassuring confidence.

And, throughout the morning’s duties, he carried his trademark smile as well as the town’s Flag.

After returning the Burgh banner, unsullied and untarnished, in the historic Market Place, Rory told the Border Telegraph: “Today has gone so fast, I came in at the Toll and the next thing I knew I was climbing the steps to Cast the Colours.

“You can’t help but smile when you have the honour of being Standard Bearer. I knew I’d nailed the Casting at about half way so I started to smile… at one point I was almost laughing, I was so happy up there.”

Throughout a colourful morning of processions, cheers and song, Standard Bearer Monks’ parents, Keith and Iona, were never far away.

And as the cavalcade and procession returned to the Market Square they were able to watch their eldest son re-enact Fletcher’s last defiant stance after Flodden from the Town Hall balcony.

A tearful Iona told us: “He was a wee star out there. He kept that smile on his face the whole morning… I’m so, so proud.

“It has been an absolutely brilliant day.

“The build up to today has been amazing and we wouldn’t have been able to do what we have done without the support of our friends and family.

“We owe so many people so much for helping us make this such as a great occasion.”

Both of Rory’s brothers, Craig and Keiran, were amongst the 322-strong cavalcade which checked Selkirk’s historic Marches.

Dad Keith, who was Standard Bearer in 1984, said: “I always think back to the time I was Standard Bearer during the Common Riding, but this year was extra special.

“I’ve really enjoyed the whole day and the build-up, and Rory certainly did us proud.”

Breaking slightly with recent tradition, Rory had his four Attendants – Kieran Riddell, Aaron McPherson, Mathew Stanners and Sam Coultherd – beside him for the Ettrick crossing and the Safe In arrival at the Toll.

Rory explained: “We weren’t sure how my horse, Cyrus, was going to go so it was good for him to have the company of other horses.

“My Attendants are very much my mates – we are doing everything together this summer and I wanted us to experience the Marches together as well.”

Friday morning’s persistent drizzle may have dampened a few at the early morning Installation, but by the time the Second Drum sounded doon the Green the rains had relented.

And throughout the rest of Friday morning the clouds drifted and the winds eased to provide perfect conditions for riders and foot-followers alike.

Honorary Provost Jake Wheelans was delighted with his first Common Riding in post. He said: “The rain stayed away and we had a day to enjoy.

“I am delighted for Standard bearer Monks – he’s been a credit to himself, his family and his town.

“We are all still very much excited just now but I know we will look back and be able to reflect on a special day that went really well.”