THIS year’s Selkirk Common Riding was one for firsts as well as anniversaries.

With James Heatlie retiring last year as Senior Burgh Officer after 16 years in post it was left to rookie Graeme Bell to fill his black, shiny shoes.

And the 48-year-old mill driver put aside any nerves to lead his town with the authority and attention-to-detail his role requires.

After Thursday evening’s Cryin; o’ the Burley, Graeme told us: “I spent all of last year shadowing James to see what all happened behind the scenes and it has prepared me well for this year.

“I was a little nervous but once I got going I was fine. It is a real honour to be chosen as the Senior Burgh Officer and I’m indebted to the Common Riding Trust for selecting me.”

Part of the Burgh Officer’s duties is to prepare the Standard Bearer for his duties, which includes casting lessons, and make sure the Common Riding ceremonies run on schedule.

Graeme added: “Rory Monks has been a great Standard Bearer to work with. He is a credit to himself and his town for the way he’s conducted himself in the days and weeks leading up to the Common Riding.”

The 2016 Common Riding was also a first for security firm director Jake Wheelans as Honorary Provost.

Provost Wheelans, like Graeme, didn’t show any nerves as he oversaw the first of his three Common Ridings.

Jake said: “Most of the work goes on before the Common Riding so I was well prepared.

“We did have one or two issues about the Ettrick crossing but the flood defence contractors, RJ McLeod, have been fantastic in making sure everything was safe.

“It has been a glorious Common Riding, and I can’t wait for next year’s.”

Climbing back into the saddle for the first time in decade was the 1991 Standard Bearer Kenny Firth.

The 52-year-old HGV driver celebrated his silver anniversary along with the 1966 Standard Bearer Eric Hislop as part of the cavalcade.

Kenny said: “I felt really emotional going round with Eric. We were both reminiscing as we followed Rory.

“I thought Rory was exceptional as Standard Bearer and it was an honour to have followed him today.”

Mr Firth was given the honour of presenting the 2016 Standard Bearer with the traditional riding crop on behalf of the Race Committee at the Toll.

And he made it up to the Market Square in time to witness his step-daughter, Kirsten Darling, cast the Ex-Soldiers’ Association flag.