OFFICIALS at Selkirk Common Riding are being forced to use the back door this year for Appointment Night.

Complications with ongoing works to the Town Hall and its clock spire have resulted in the scheduled completion date being extended into the summer.

And scaffolding around the Sir Walter Scott Courthouse building will prevent the 2018 Royal Burgh Standard bearer being revealed through the customary front doors.

Despite the disruption, Honorary Provost Jake Wheelans is confident Souters will still enjoy the occasion.

He told the Border Telegraph: "We have discussed contingency plans and we will use the back entrance this year and unveil the Standard Bearer on the Fleshmarket Steps.

"It's an inconvenience but nothing more and Appointment Night will be exactly the same as it always is in every other way.

"The Common Riding Trust has been kept informed of what's happening with the refurbishment works."

The £300,000 refurbishment of the Courthouse, which doubles as the Town Hall, has been delayed by the recent storms as well as further stone damage being discovered during the works.

And it remains unclear whether the scaffolding will be down in time for the Common Riding on June 15.

A spokesman for Scottish Borders Council said: "There has been a delay due to the poor winter weather and stone supply issues which means the main entrance to the Courthouse will not be available for the installation of the Standard Bearer ceremony.

"We understand that the Selkirk Common Riding Trust has decided that the Courthouse will still be used for the ceremony but that the Standard Bearer will instead be revealed to the Market Place crowd via an alternative entrance to the building.

"The £450,000 Selkirk Streetscape Scheme - which is being co-ordinated alongside and part-funded by Selkirk CARS - is also progressing, with the end result being a much improved and more attractive town centre which will benefit events such as the Common Riding for a number of years."

The 2018 Royal Burgh Standard Bearer will be unveiled during celebrations on Friday, April 27.