HE has followed the Common Riding for as long as he can remember. And he has been an Attendant a record five times.

But now, a decade after he was first elected, the time has come for him to lead the festivities.

Twenty-seven-year-old auctioneer Greg MacDougall has been appointed the 2014 Selkirk Standard Bearer.

He was unveiled when the doors of the Town Hall were flung open on Friday night before being paraded shoulder high round the streets of the Royal and Ancient Burgh.

And, despite the rain, crowds of well-wishers turned out to show their support.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph in his first interview following his appointment, Greg said: “It was a great feeling to come out there and see all those people, it was amazing.

“I’ve been following the Common Riding for 10 years, since I was appointed an Attendant in 2004. I’ve been an Attendant five times now - it’s always enjoyable.” But now he added: “I’ve reached the pinnacle, it’s grand.” The former Knowepark Primary and Selkirk High School pupil will be supported by Attendants Scott Rodgerson, Adam Nichol, Thomas Bell and Darren Knox as he leads this year’s Common Riding and represents the Royal Burgh at other festivals across the Borders this summer.

However, he revealed nothing will compare to riding in to the Toll or casting the colours during his hometown celebrations which will be staged from Thursday, June 12, to Saturday, June 14.

Greg, who first rode the Common Riding aged 11, explained: “My first memories of the Common Riding were going to the casting practices and following the Common Riding on foot.

“I’m most looking forward to coming into the Toll, or the casting of the colours, which I’m most nervous about. But there are plenty practices beforehand so I suppose l’ll be alright on the night.” Selkirk Silver Band set the tone for the evening which ended with a concert in the town’s Victoria Hall.

And organisers revealed a few drops of rain were never going to dampen spirits ahead of the Common Riding.

Provost David Anderson, who returns for his second year in office, said: “The Souters are always very loyal to their appointment night, so there’s been an excellent turnout considering the inclement weather.

“Common Riding week itself is a real civic celebration, of being a Souter and the history and traditions that we uphold.

“It’s very important to the town and the whole thing builds up over a period of six or seven weeks to a crescendo on Common Riding Day and we expect it to be the same this year.” When asked what he made of this year’s Standard Bearer, Mr Anderson added: “Greg’s served a long apprenticeship. He was first an Attendant in 2004 and he’s been an Attendant five times which is unusual - I think it’s a record for anybody.

“He’s very experienced in the role and I’m very confident he will do an excellent job.”