THIS year's Melrose Festival can be forgiven for having one foot in the past.

During Thursday evening's Installation and Crowing ceremonies within the grandeur of the Abbey grounds well-wishers were reminded of Melrosian milestones which had been reached.

It is the 80th Festival to be held in the town, 50 years since the inaugural rideout, and for the very first time all three Jubilee Melrosians and all three Jubilee Queens were in attendance.

But Thursday evening was also about introducing two new members into the town's hallowed hall of fame.

In Struan Hutchison they have yet another young man who will uphold the values of both Melrose and its Festival.

The 20-year-old sports management student and rugby scrum-half had already represented his town at Hawick and Selkirk rideouts.

And he had led his own cavalcade around the beautiful Melrose countryside earlier in the week.

Festival chairman Michael Crawford told Thursday's ceremony: "I am confident Struan will be a great ambassador for our town in the weeks and years ahead."

Struan, who was flanked by his right-hand-man Donald Anderson and left-hand-man Fraser Anderson, admitted becoming a Melrosian was his boyhood ambition.

He told the gathering: "I can still recall sitting on the same spot as a boy where these youngsters are tonight thinking how special it would be to become the Melrosian.

"I will endeavour to carry out my duties in a manner fitting of this prestigious position."

As well as the Installation of the 2016 Melrosian, the Crowning of Festival Queen Nicole Ferguson capped a memorable evening.

Primary seven pupil Nicole was escorted in regal fashion by her Court - Attendants Molly Neville and Felicity Wall, Courtiers Euan Bond and Joe Foulkes, Heralds Callum Ferrando and Frazer Rout, and Trainbearers Isla Gillespie and Belle Douglas.

And the ceremony itself was fit for a Queen with Kath Weir, wife of Principal Guest Doddie Weir, given the honour of Crowning Nicole.

The choir from Melrose Primary School and St Boswells Concert Band provided the score to an evening of memorable moments for the 11-year-old.

Festival Queens who had sat in the very same throne 25 years earlier, 50 years earlier and 75 years earlier were at hand to welcome the latest addition to the regal roll of honour.

Sarah Graham, now Lowrie, who was Festival Queen in 1956, was presented with a bouquet of flowers to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

Evelyn Mathison, now Oliver, who was celebrating her Golden Jubilee, also accepted a bouquet of flowers.

And Abigail Armstrong, now Lucas, who was Festival Queen in 1991, also collected flowers to mark her Silver Jubilee.

All three Jubilee Melrosians were also in attendance for the first time in the Festival's history.

Former Provost George Bunyan, who is one of the few to have been at the first Melrose Festival in 1938, was given the position of Melrosian in 1956.

Mr Bunyan, who was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to Melrose two years ago, was described by Festival chairman Michael Crawford as a "phenomenal servant to his town".

George said: "Little did I imagine standing as Melrosian in 1956 that 60 years later I would be back again.

"The Festival has always been an important part of my life."

Jim Boyd was presented with golden cufflinks to mark his 50th anniversary.

The 1966 Melrosian was the first to lead a mounted cavalcade with 126 riders following him around Dingleton, Newstead, Gattonside and Darnick.

Jim, who now lives in France, told the audience: "Coming back to Melrose is always a great joy.

"These cufflinks are a tangible reminder of my roots and who I am."

The 1991 Melrosian Malcolm 'Max' Robbie was presented with a silver medal to mark his 25th anniversary.

The bakery boss said: "I will wear my medal with pride."