Melrose Festival makes a splash

Alexa Brown 1605 - 1605 • Last updated 19 Jun 2008 14:31 0 Comments

THERE were dark clouds looming over Melrose on Monday evening, but the cheers of the crowds and skirl of the pipes warded off any threat of rain as Melrosian Scott Roy led 188 proud riders into Market Square for the final stop of the annual ride-out.

19 year-old Scott looked happy and confident on horseback, flanked by his Right-Hand man Iain Oliver and Left-Hand man David Crawford, and all three received a warm welcome from the hundreds of spectators who had gathered in the town to see the riders arrive home safely.

Melrose and District Pipes and Drums led the procession, the traditional music adding to the carnival atmosphere in the town.

The principals then took to the podium where they were accompanied by joint chairman Douglas Hardie. Mr Hardie thanked Melrosian Scott and his principals, ride-out convenor Grant Hogg, Melrose and District Pipes and Drums, and all the participating riders for making the evening such a success.

Scott was then presented with an inscribed hunting crop to commemorate the year before it was his turn to take to the microphone.

The Melrosian said: 'The opportunity I have been given to lead this beautiful cavalcade around the town is one that I will always treasure. I want to thank my family, friends, and all of tonight"s riders for their support. It"s been a great night.'

Evelyn Oliver, mother of 2007 Melrosian Iain, then awarded the following riders with prizes: Granton Trophy and Webster Medal (for the youngest rider not on a lead reign), Lucinda Crawford, Lowes Cup (for the smartest junior rider), Fern Graham, Priorwood Trophy (for the best turned out rider and mount), Emma Blair, and Bon Accord Trophy (for the oldest rider), Liz Walker.

With the formalities over Scott, a relatively new rider, could finally relax and enjoy the celebrations. He added: 'It was absolutely brilliant, I loved every minute of it. I"m really looking forward to the rest of the week.'

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 18 Jun 08

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