MELROSE Festival's alternative rideout route was so popular officials may bring it back again.

Due to uncertainty over the opening of Lowood Bridge, which has been closed over the past 20 weeks for repairs and renovation, Festival officials introduced a new route to the south of the town.

And going by the enthusiastic reaction from the 187 followers of Melrosian Harry Fletcher, consideration will be given to using the new route in the future.

Melrose Festival chairman Douglas Hardie told us: "A lot of riders came back saying how much they enjoyed the new route and how they would like to do it all over again.

"We are fortunate in the sense that Melrose's boundaries stretch far and wide and we aren't limited - but we would need the co-operation and permission of the landowners, who have been so kind this year.

"The positive reaction to the route certainly gives us extra possibilities for the future."

Melrosian Fletcher led his cavalcade from Melrose up towards Cauldshiels Loch and over the Borders Abbey Way to Low Moss for refreshments.

The inward route brought the riders over to the Eildons and down through Newstead before returning to the town.

Despite lacking equine experience, the 2018 Melrosian led his cavalcade with authority and humour.

Mr Hardie added: "Harry is a very popular Melrosian and he did himself and the town proud with the way he led the rideout."

Collecting the Grantham Cup for Youngest Rider (not on a lead) was seven-year-old Jamie Wilson.

At the opposite end of the age continuum was 80-year-old Doug Redpath from Duns, who collected the Bon Accord Trophy.

Lexi Marshall was judged to be the smartest junior rider for the Gordon Crawford Trophy, while Elaine Blackwood was presented with the Priorwood Cup for best turned out adult rider.