'Nothing can or ever will compare to Selkirk Common Riding'

David Knox • Published 29 Jun 2010 14:08 0 Comments

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MORNING mist may have shrouded the hilltops as the Flute Band began its duty down in the town of rousing the Souters last Friday.

By the time Exiles burst into the opening verse of Her Bright Smile outside the County Hotel any threat of rain had flown away with the darkness.

And step by step the Selkirk Common Riding became brighter - until glorious sunshine eventually basked this historic little town and its proud people.

From the dutiful ceremony of Standard Bearer's Installation on the Victoria Hall balcony through to the Second Drum doon the Green and the fording of the Ettrick numbers turned from high hundreds to the many thousands.

From a' the airts they had come - Canada, Australia, America, mainland Europe, Ireland and all over the UK - to witness Selkirk in all its glory.

Arm-in-arm they marched, in step to the Silver Band, many falling in behind the ancient corporations and societies they affectionately make their own.

The town's pipe band followed on with their own stirring skirls before Standard Bearer Gunn appeared at the top of the Green mounted on his trusty horse Cara, flag in hand, and an expression which defied the emotions flowing through his every vein.

Standard Bearer Gunn remained focussed, occasionally breaking into a smile as well-wishers shouted their support, as he led his cavalcade to the banks of the Ettrick. He was in no rush - every moment being savoured.

Assuredly and sedately he led his meandering procession through the water and up to Linglie Farm.

Attendants Michael Craig, Gavin Henderson, Scott Rodgerson and Peter Forrest never far behind.

It was never going to be anything else but Safe Oot for Standard Bearer Gunn.

From the steady fording of the Ettrick the horses were finally allowed to break into a gallop up the Linglie Glen. And to the Three Brethren they headed.

Beneath in the town the excitement grew. Eyes glanced towards the Nettlie Woods for the first signs of their Standard Bearer returning.

The Silver Band, Pipe Band and the various societies regrouped in the Market Square for the foot procession to make its way to the Toll.

Songs were sung, friendships rekindled and the anticipation was building.

And as Standard Bearer Gunn approached the northern entrance to the town where he grew up, a distant buzz quickly grows into hysteria - a noise to rival a stadium filled with vuvuzelas.

Rapturous shouts and cheers follow him and his trusty Cara all the way up through the Toll - Safe Inn.

His attendants follow before the entire cavalcade streamed back into town - some at a full-out gallop, others a little more steady. For 20 minutes the cheers rang out as family and friends welcomed back their loved ones with pride and relief.

For most festivals the gallop would be the highlight - but Selkirk has something special for its finale. A ceremony that has its origins stretching back to that bloody battle at Flodden. A ceremony that stirs emotions in every Souter standing - The Casting of the Colours.

Standard Bearer Gunn had done his months of practice - he'd hurled his standard around his head a thousand times - but that one minute on a Friday morning in June as he stands aloft his people will live with him for the rest of his life.

As Colin Kemp led his Silver Band into Up Wi' the Souters, Standard bearer Gunn casted with the authority and calmness he had shown throughout his reign.

The Royal and Ancient Burgh Flag flowed swiftly in time to the music. The loud burst of approval said it all - a perfect cast.

And with a smiling nod towards his parents, Kenny and Wilma, above on the Town Hall balcony, Standard Bearer Gunn climbed down from the scarlet plinth.

And so the association Standard Bearers followed - from nervously waiting in the wings, it was their turn to take centre stage.

Joiner Keith Connor did the Incorporation of Hammermen proud with an impeccable cast - deserving the huge smile he gave himself as he climbed down from the plinth.

Passing his step-son on the stairs was Keith Russell, who cast the Corporation of Weavers Flag with precision. There was no big smile, just a bellow of relief as he lowered his flag.

Robert Black was also flawless as he cast the Company of Fleshers Flag - his animated fist in the air said it all.

For Colonial Standard Bearer John Graham it had been a long to journey to the Market Place of the town where he was born. From the northern regions of Canada he had come to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, John Currie, who had cast the Royal and Ancient Burgh Flag back in 1913.

Both the wait and the journey was evidently worth it - as he hurled the bright yellow banner around the blue skies. A celebratory wave followed.

Kenny Houston was perfect with his cast of the Merchant Company Flag. And the retired policeman emotionally made his own solitary act of remembrance as he pointed towards the skies - a cast dedicated to young Katie McKerracher who lost her battle with illness only last year.

Remembering the ones who have gone before is integral to Selkirk's Common Riding.

And it is left to Ex Soldiers Standard Bearer Neil Davidson to lead the town in that final act of remembrance. Following a faultless cast of his Society's Union flag, with dignity and compassion he slowly lowered his banner and the crowd fell silent.

Heads were bowed as memories floated towards the fallen - Souters who have lost their lives on battlefields around the world.

The stirring tones of The Liltin compound the posterity as the Union flag fluttered in the breeze. Standard Bearer Davidson calmly saluted - a job well done.

Provost Millar collected the town's flag back from Standard Bearer Gunn 'unsullied and untarnished' - another job well done.

The cheers rang out for Her Majesty the Queen, the Provost, the Royal and Ancient Burgh, and Standard Bearer Gunn.

Following the casting, Standard Bearer Gunn said: "After I cast the flag I looked up to my mum and dad. I knew what it meant to them. They have been on a high ever since I was appointed.

"It's difficult picking highlights but coming in at the Toll was amazing - it was just a sea of colour."

Dad, Kenny, couldn't hide his pride during the civic reception that followed the casting. He told us: "The lad did well. We are both very proud of him.

"It has been a magical day. I had a really big lump in my throat when he was casting the flag."

For Les Millar, who enjoyed his first Common Riding in the post of Provost, it was also a day he'll remember for a long time. He said: "I thought Douglas was excellent - he's been waiting for a long time for this day.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole Common Riding - from the build up all the way through today. It has been great.

"This is really my practice year - I've got another two to come and I can't wait for them."

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