MELROSIAN Fraser Anderson revealed he tried to write a speech summing up what the Melrose Festival meant to him - before the festivities got underway this week. And then admitted: “It’s better felt than telt.” The 22-year-old student led a cavalcade of 181 riders on the Melrosians Rideout on Monday night. And, despite the water crossing being cancelled, crowds of well-wishers turned out to show their support.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph after being presented with a hunting crop by Festival chairman James Marjoribanks during the Concluding Ceremonies in Market Square, Fraser, who was supported by his Right Hand Man Sam Thomson and Left Hand Man Graeme Crawford, said: “It’s unbelieveable.

“It’s hard to find the words to describe it. You have to pre write your speech but nothing in my speech could sum up how I felt riding up the High Street behind the band. I’ve heard the saying 'it’s better felt than telt’ and that’s the only way I can describe it.

“I’m not usually an emotional guy but trying to hold yourself together when you see that (turnout) it is difficult.” But he added: “Thankfully my horse was a bit nervous so I had something to keep my mind off letting the emotions go.” When asked how the Melrose Festival compared to anything else he has experienced, Fraser, who only began learning how to ride at the start of February, said: “It’s so difficult. I’m a massive Celtic fan, I’ve been to European games where Celtic (at home in front of 60,000 fans) are winning and the place was bouncing, it’s an unbelievable feeling.” But, referring to the local festivities, he added: “It’s like being on another level. Tonight, I’ve been able to relax and enjoy myself.” Despite his lack of riding experience, Fraser, the only son of Ian and Vada Anderson, of Fairways in Dingleton, revealed he has already completed rideouts at Mosspaul, Hawick and Selkirk.

And he pointed out there was plenty of support from Ex-Melrosians along the way.

“My Right Hand Man is like my best friend and my Left Hand Man I have known since primary school,” he explained. “I also stay in the same street as last year’s Left Hand Man, Ruaridh Nairn, so he’s kept me on the right track.

“I’m looking forward to the rest of the week and, as long as we continue to get weather like this, I can’t complain.” Archie Young was the youngest rider not on a lead rein to complete the Melrosians Rideout on Monday, while Ian Royall was named the Oldest Rider. Natalie Riddell was named the Best Turned Out Rider and Hamish Stenhouse was the Smartest Junior Under 12.

They were presented with their trophies by Lesley Thomson, mother of the Right Hand Man.

Mr James Marjoribanks said: “It was a great shame that we couldn’t do the river crossing but it just was too dangerous - the current was too strong and the river was up. It’s been up for a wee while and we have been closely monitoring it but, in this particular day and age, we just can’t take any risks.

“So we were slightly later than normally coming in here (to the Market Square), but there was a big crowd, a lot of visiting Principals here tonight which is great to see and I hope everybody enjoyed themselves.

“All the chairmen in each of the towns hopes that it’s a great week for the other chairmen and I know that they are wishing that we have a good week and we look forward to it. It was extremely hot and sunny earlier on this evening, it’s great. As long as it’s nice on Thursday night at the Abbey, that will be tremendous.” Melrosian Fraser Anderson is the older brother of Katie who was Festival Queen in 2006.

He will lead this year’s festivities alongside Festival Queen Charlie Hume, from Tweedbank, and her Court - Katherine Donaghy (Attendant 1), Heather Panter (Attendant 2), Ruaridh Tullis (Courtier - Proclamation), Matthew Kirk (Crown & Sceptre), Ben Lynch (Herald), Alex Daunas (Herald), Maia Thomson (Trainbearer) and Lucy Whiting (Trainbearer).

Charlie’s grandpa, Johnny Bunyan, was Melrosian in 1965, as was his brother, George, in 1956.

The programme for the remainder of the 2014 Melrose Festival is as follows - Saturday, June 21: Tour of Ceremonies, starting in Market Square at 9am. It will visit Newstead (9.15am), Trimontium (9.45am), Gattonside (10am), Abbotsford (10.45am), Darnick Tower (11.15am), and Melrose Abbey (12 noon). Sports in Gibson Park will follow at 2.30pm, with the Eildon Hill Race and Ribbon Dance taking place at 3pm.

The week will conclude with a Celebration Festival Dinner in the Greenyards at 7.45pm for 8pm. Tickets from 01896 822162.

For more photographs and a full round-up of the 2014 Melrose Festival, order a copy of next week’s Border Telegraph with your local newsagent now.