EX-Melrosian Michael Crawford was one of the proudest parents in the Borders at the weekend.

He watched on proudly as his eldest son, Donald, followed in his footsteps by leading the Melrose Festival last week.

The 1984 Melrosian joined him at Hawick and Selkirk Common Ridings in the lead up to the local festivities.

However, he revealed his proudest moment was following Donald in the Melrosians Rideout where he also got to ride alongside his daughter, Annabel - Donald’s sister.

Michael, who is due to be appointed chairman of the Festival next year, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see Donald as Melrosian. It was a bit of shock when it was first announced but this week has been great and has brought back many happy memories of my time.

“Donald has done us proud, he has done a good job, and I think he has been well received by everybody.

“On Tuesday morning I said I had done more miles on a horse that weekend than I had done in a car. The (Melrosians) Rideout was good - it was beautiful crossing the river and galloping over the Gattonside heights and down.

“The highlight of this week was following Donald down High Cross Avenue behind the pipe band with the pipes playing, it was just great.

“I last did the rideout in 2009 when I was Silver Jubilee Melrosian.” But, this time, he added: “I rode with my daughter, Annabel, and that was a little bit of a dream come true.” The parents of Festival Queen Robyn Mackay were equally as proud.

They revealed they didn’t know much about the festivities when she was first appointed.

However, having been welcomed into the community, Danny and Aileen Mackay admitted they would recommend it to anyone.

“It was a big surprise, Robyn winning it, but I am very pleased for her,” Danny said during a visit to Darnick Tower on the Tour of Ceremonies on Saturday. “You feel slightly ignorant, coming from the area and not realising how much is on your doorstep.” Aileen agreed. She said: “It’s been fantastic - it’s been busy, but it’s been fantastic. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“The Crowning in the abbey and today as well, I’d never done the Tour before; the whole day was amazing. It might be the first time we’ve done it but it won’t be the last time.”