A COLOURFUL summer awaits Scott Rodgerson.

The newly-appointed Selkirk Standard Bearer will lead this year’s Selkirk Common Riding.

He follows in the footsteps of his brother, Martin, who flew the flag for the Royal Burgh two years ago.

The 27-year-old’s father Brian (1980), grandfather George (1950) and uncle Ian (1986), too have served as Standard Bearer.

And, after being carried shoulder high through the town on Friday, the former Philiphaugh and Selkirk High School pupil, who works at Zest Blinds in Selkirk, revealed he can’t wait to continue a family, and a Borders, tradition.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph in his first interview following his appointment, Scott, who served as an Attendant to last year’s Standard Bearer, Greg MacDougall, said: “That was great, I can’t explain how good it was.

“Last year was great, being Attendant to Greg, who did a really good job, and I had a really good time.

“This year, I am just looking forward to everything. Obviously Common Riding Day and casting the Colours is going to be amazing.

“But the whole summer, getting to meet Principals from other towns and the way you bond with everybody is just amazing - I’m looking forward to making friendships which last a lifetime.” And he added: “With Martin by my side I will have lots of advice to help me along.” The young Souter - who will be support by his Attendants Darren Knox, Mathew Stanners, Aaron Mcpherson and Rory Monks - was the unanimous choice of Selkirk Common Riding Trust, chaired by Provost David Anderson. And he will lead the cavalcade on Common Riding Day, Friday, June 12.

Provost Anderson said: We’re very confident we’ve elected a good Standard Bearer.

“Scott’s been an Attendant four times over the last ten years so he’s well-versed in our traditions and knows exactly what we expect from him so he’ll do an excellent job. He was an Attendant last year and met a lot of people from other towns as well which is a great starting point.

“His brother was Standard Bearer two years ago and his dad was a Standard Bearer, and his uncle and grandfather were a Standard Bearer.” And he added: “His grandfather was a great Common Riding stalwart and would have been very proud of his grandson.

“Unfortunately, he is no longer with us but he was very much a character in the town and somebody who put a lot back into the Common Riding after he was Standard Bearer, so his grandsons being Standard Bearer is something which would have been very special to him.” The Provost, now in his third and final year of office, revealed the stage was set for a summer of festivities.

“It’s a busy period for the next six or seven weeks but it will be great fun and I’m looking forward to it,” he enthused. “It’s a massive event for the town, the atmosphere builds up over the six or sevens weeks to fever pitch in actual Common Riding week itself.

“It’s a great event for the town, a civic event, and very important to the people who have lived in the town for a long time and,” he added, “long may it continue.” Crowds of well-wishers turned out to show their support for the Standard Bearer who was unveiled when the doors of the Town Hall were flung open on Friday evening.

Selkirk Silver Band set the tone for the evening which ended with a concert in the town’s Victoria Halls.

Reflecting on his year as Standard Bearer, Greg said: “It doesn’t seem like a year ago that I was coming out the Town Hall, it just passes so quickly; and I think Scott has got some great opportunities coming up and I hope he savours all the great moments.”