MELROSE Festival enjoyed one of its hottest years yet this summer.

But Melrosian Fraser Anderson revealed the memories of leading the festivities will last far longer than any tan.

He led a procession of townsfolk and visiting dignitaries around neighbouring villages during the Tour of Ceremonies on Saturday - the climax of a week-long series of events to celebrate the town’s history.

Looking back over the week, Fraser, who was supported by his Right Hand Man, Sam Thomson, and Left Hand Man, Graeme Crawford, told the Border Telegraph: “It’s been crazy.

“It went by in the blink of an eye but I’ve tried to take everything in because you can never redo your first year.

“We couldn’t buy this weather, it has been warm all week. We had 30 degrees on Wednesday so I’ve got a tan.” And he added: “It’s going to be great over the next two years watching someone else having the same experience that I’ve had.” The 22-year-old Criminology student, son of Ian and Vada Anderson, of Fairways, Dingleton, only began learning how to ride at the start of February.

However, he revealed he was now planning to follow the festivities in Galashiels, Jedburgh, Lauder, Coldstream and Duns on horseback.

Fraser, who revealed he had a beer for breakfast to steady his nerves on Saturday, said: “I’m normally alright at speaking in public, I’ve done it before. But when I went out in the abbey (for his Installation on Thursday night) and I saw everyone looking at me I was at breaking point.” But he added: “I can relax and enjoy the rest of the festivals now that my week’s done - and have a few more beers.” The Melrosian, along with his Right and Left Hand Men visited Newstead, Trimontium, Gattonside, Abbotsford and Darnick on their tour.

They were supported by Melrose Festival Queen Charlie Hume, from Tweedbank, and her Court - Katherine Donaghy (Attendant 1), of Ormiston Terrace, Melrose; Heather Panter (Attendant 2), of Darnick; Ruaridh Tullis (Courtier - Proclamation), of Dingleton; Matthew Kirk (Crown & Sceptre), of High Cross Avenue, Melrose; Ben Lynch (Herald), of Mid Housebyres; Alex Daunas (Herald), of Ormiston Terrace, Melrose; Maia Thomson (Trainbearer), of Gattonside; and Lucy Whiting (Trainbearer), of Tweedmount Road, Melrose.

And, as the cavalcade passed, well-wishers lined the route to show their support.

Other highlights of the week included the bike ride, which this year attracted 497 cyclists, and family barbeque, fancy dress and Festival Ball - and every event was well supported.

Reflecting on this year’s festivities, Melrose Festival chairman James Marjoribanks said: “Last year was my first year as chairman of the Festival and I felt a little bit like a rabbit caught in the headlights - the whole occasion is massive. But this year I’ve been much more relaxed. Both myself and my wife Elaine have really have enjoyed it.

“This year’s Melrosian and his Right and Left Hand Men are great guys - I call them my boys because they have been with me every day this week and they have been a great help.

“The highlight for me was the Installation and Crowning Ceremonies in the Abbey on Thursday night. There was a family atmosphere, it was relaxed and I really did enjoy it. The bike ride was also a great night and the barbeque has been a great addition to the Festival.

“We’ve been blessed with some great weather and I do sincerely hope that the other festivals get the same weather as we did.” It was a week of mixed emotions for 2012 Melrosian Graeme Crawford who admitted he was sad his three year term in office was over.

However, he revealed the memories he had made would stay with him for the rest of his life.

Graeme, who vowed to return to support future Melrosians, said: “It seems so long ago that I was the one standing there doing all the speeches but it goes really quickly.

“My first year, the whole week, was probably my highlight. This year, the weather has just topped everything - the sun has brought all the families out.

“I thought I was going to be quite emotional but I’ve kept myself together.

“Fraser has done a wonderful job for his town, his family and his friends; I’m sure he’ll be very proud of his week and I hope he remembers it for the rest of his life.”