MELROSIAN Donald Crawford led the start of the festivities in Melrose this week - and then revealed he can’t wait for the rest of the week ahead.

More than 200 riders turned out for the Melrosians Rideout on Monday night.

It was the best turn out in years for the only rideout of the Melrose Festival, despite the new start at the primary school.

And many more well-wishers lined the streets along the route, through Dingleton, Newstead, Gattonside and Darnick, to show their support.

The cavalcade were also able to cross the river at Millmount which hasn’t always been possible in recent years.

A day earlier, Melrose Parish Church was packed for the Kirkin’ of the Melrosian, who laid a wreath at the town’s War Memorial before the service.

And last night (Tuesday), the annual festivities were due to continue with the fancy dress parade.

Reflecting on his week so far, Donald, who was supported by his Right Hand Man, 2014 Melrosian Fraser Anderson, and 2012 Melrosian Graeme Crawford, deputising for Left Hand Man Sam Thomson, told the Border Telegraph: “It’s awesome!

“It’s great to get back on the horse - 17 years ago was the last time I did it - and it was so enjoyable. There was a great turnout, great weather and we got across the river.

“My Right Hand and Left Hand Men both had a wee tumble. But, apart from that, it was all good, a great night - I really enjoyed it.” Sam is currently training with the British Army but is due to return for the climax to the festivities this weekend.

“We’re busy all day, every day really,” Donald smiled. “We’ve got the bike ride on Wednesday and then the Crowning of the Queen on Thursday and the ball on Friday - so it’s pretty hectic all the way through the week but I’m really looking forward to it all.” When asked if he had had any words of advice from his dad, 1984 Melrosian Michael Crawford, he said: “I just want to chill and do my own thing.” But he added: “My whole family and friends have been supporting me so it’s really good to have them all up here as well.” Six-year-old Kirsty Lothian of Walkerburn was named the Youngest Rider not on a lead rein, while 61-year-old George Bain, from Bonchester Bridge, was named the oldest rider.

Archie Young was Smartest Rider under 12 years while Galashiels’ Braw Lass, Abbie Frankland, took home the trophy for Best Turned Out Rider and Mount.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph after presenting the Melrosian with a hunting crop during the Concluding Ceremonies in Market Square following the rideout on Monday, Festival chairman James Marjoribanks said: “It’s been a great night.

“We had 204 riders - that’s the largest we’ve had for a good number of years. And we managed to get across the river this year which was great.

“Hopefully the weather is going to be good, like I hope it is for other festivals. The forecast is very good. And everyone is looking forward to it.” Melrosian Donald Crawford will lead this year’s festivities alongside the Festival Queen and Court. They are as follows: Festival Queen - Robyn Mackay; 1st Attendant - Maddie Thomson; 2nd Attendant - Charli McGeever; 1st Courtier - Ben Sloan; 2nd Courtier - Oliver Ewing; Herald - Luke Blackwood; Herald - Andrej Berlansky; and Train Bearers - Ella Moore and Maisie White.

Ex-Melrosian Roy Mack will give the Oration at the Installation of this year’s Melrosian Donald Crawford, while his wife Florence will Crown the Festival Queen, Robyn Mackay.

The programme for the rest of the week is as follows - Wednesday, June 17: 6.30pm, Community Cycle Ride leaves Gibson Park; 8pm, arrives back at Annay Road for family BBQ, burgers and refreshments. All welcome.

Thursday, June 18: 7pm, Installation of Melrosian and Crowning of Festival Queen in Melrose Abbey (if wet, in Melrose Parish Church).

Friday, June 19: 10am, the Melrosian with his Right and Left Hand Men visit Melrose patients in Borders General Hospital; 1.30pm, The Melrosian with his Right and Left Hand Men visit Melrose Primary School, followed at 2pm, by a visit to St Mary’s School. 7.30pm to 2.30am, Festival Ball at Annay Road. Ticket enquiries: 07810384660.

Saturday, June 20: Tour of Ceremonies - 8.45am, Assembly in Market Square (to book a seat on mini bus contact Evelyn Oliver on 01896 823277).

9am, Start of Ceremonies, visiting Newstead (9.15am), Trimontium (9.45am), Gattonside (10am), Abbotsford (10.45am), Darnick (11.15am) and Melrose Abbey (12noon).

2.30pm, Sports in the Gibson Park; 2.30pm, Eildon Hill Race; 3pm, Ribbon Dance.

7pm, Pipe Band Music in Market Square; 7.45pm for 8pm, Celebration Festival Dinner in the Greenyards. Tickets, £20, available from Ex-Melrosian Greig Anderson on 01896 822162. All welcome.