THURSDAY evening's Melrose Installation and Crowing Ceremonies were basked in both sunshine and nostalgia.

Within the dramatic setting of the 12th century Abbey, this year's Principals were invested into a lineage that spans the more modern history of this remarkable town.

For the first year, the sweet voices of St Mary's senior pupils joined the harmonious choir of Melrose Primary to provide the sentimental soundtrack.

And as the harmonies of 'It's oor ain toon, It's the best toon' swirled through the Abbey's ancient remains, Melrose yet again confirmed why it is considered the 'Gem of Scotland'.

Melrosian Russell Mackay had already spent the week leading this Gem of Scotland in its festivities.

But, in front of the many who have gone before him, the 21-year-old farmer was officially Installed by Festival Chairman, Michael Crawford.

Russell told the gathering: "It is with great pride that I become Melrosian and follow in the footsteps of others who have enjoyed this honour and privilege."

Within the packed grounds of the Abbey were dozens of former Festival Queens and members of their Courts.

Thoughts must have drifted back to their own Crowning Ceremonies as this year's Festival Queen Ilona Cockburn led her Court from within the Abbey to take their places around the North Aisle throne.

Anna Ross and Anna Fairclough as the Queen's Attendants, Courtiers Finlay Tullis and Campbell Lightly-West, Rory Hamilton and Christopher Carter as the Heralds, and Trainbearers Orlaith Dickson and Olivia Milne all performed their roles exquisitely.

The 2017 Crowning Lady was Alexa Robertson, nee Brown, who grew up just a few miles away.

The wife of the Festival guest, Mark Robertson, was both courteous and delightful as she performed her duties within the Cloisters.

As well as honouring its young, though, Melrose Festival commemorates its past.

Celebrating his Diamond Jubilee was 1957 Melrosian Donald Campbell.

The former soldier and telecommunications engineer told the gathering: "I was proud to be elected Melrosian in 1957 - the weather that year was as excellent has it has been tonight."

One Melrosian who didn't have the weather on his side was Ian Fraser in 1967.

The former Post Office and SRU worker described how downpours on Installation night forced everyone into the Corn Exchange.

The Golden Jubilee Melrosian said: "It was Newstead's year in 1967 as both Queen Claire (Elliot) and I were brought up in the same street - Rushbank.

"It was pouring with rain on Investiture night and the ceremony was held along the road in the Corn Exchange."

Brian Laidlaw was also honoured during Thursday evening's Ceremony as he celebrated his Silver Jubilee.

All three former Melrosians received medals from Chairman's wife, Debbie Crawford.

Neither the Silver Jubilee Festival Queen, Kathryn Wright, or Golden Jubilee Queen, Claire Elliot, were able to attend the Ceremonies.

But the 1957 Queen, Jennifer Burnett (now Seidler), travelled from the Canadian city of Toronto to accept her Diamond Jubilee medal.

The retired science teacher was accompanied onto the stage by 1957 Melrosian Donald Campbell.

Anthems were sung, proclamations were read and more than a few cheers rang out during this most palpable of Borders traditions.

And to conclude yet another memorable evening this year's Principals were paraded around the historic streets of their hometown.