THERE have been many landmark years down through the history of Selkirk Common Riding.

But few, if any, will have made the impact of Fiona Deacon’s selection as the Ex Soldiers’ Association Standard Bearer for 2014.

Over the decades and centuries the town’s various trade corporations have come and gone, traditions have faded and others emerged.

But up until 11.12am on Friday, June 13, 2014 no woman had ever cast one of the historic flags on Common Riding morning.

It could have been controversial, it could have divided opinion, but this is Selkirk.

And, as anyone who witnessed this momentous occasion will testify, there’s never been a cheer of support quite like it as Fiona rose to the gender challenge.

The Lauder-born mum of two served for 18 years as a Royal Military Police officer, rising to the rank of sergeant, in Germany, Northern Ireland and Kosovo as well as on home shores.

She got a full taste of the Common Riding experience last year when she bussed her husband, David’s Ex Soldiers’ Association flag. It was role reversal this time round.

And following not only her flag cast but also leading the town in its two minutes of silence and reflection, Fiona couldn’t hide her emotions.

She told us: “I was trying really hard not to cry after I’d finished the casting – I wanted to celebrate but I knew I still had to lower the flag and lead the silence.

“All of my family were here to see me – this meant so much to all of us.

“I can’t stop crying now yet I’m so happy. The support I’ve had from everybody has been amazing. I have had so many people wishing me luck and I was taken aback by the cheer when I climbed up to do the casting and after the silence.

“I wish I could thank every one of them.” In years to come there will be other women who are elected to represent the six corporations and associations that share the Market Place plinth with the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer.

But the festival officials are not expecting a stampede.

Provost David Anderson was full of praise for Ex Soldiers Standard Bearer Fiona Deacon but was also quick to remind anyone wanting to follow in her footsteps about the physical challenges it brings.

Provost Anderson said: “Fiona got such a fantastic reception and it is understandable that she is so emotional – there was hardly a dry eye in the Market Place.

“All seven Standard Bearers have been very close this year and they are all chuffed that Fiona was part of that little family.

“Fiona was Standard Bearer for the right reasons – she is passionate about the army and she was proud to represent the Ex Soldiers - this wasn’t a stand about being a woman.

“There is nothing to stop other women coming forward and I hope they do from time to time but the Ex Soldiers’ flag is one of the smaller flags and Fiona will tell you how physically difficult it has been for her.

“Casting a flag is a very physical task and that is something that has to be taken into consideration.” For the past month Fiona has joined the town’s other six Standard Bearers for casting practice.

And one of her colleagues, Merchant Company Standard Bearer Andrew Anderson, acknowledged how special it has been to have the first selected woman with them.

Andrew said: “I feel very proud to have ben part of this team of Standard Bearers - there has been a great spirit.

“It was special having Fiona amongst us.

“Being the first woman added a bit of pressure on her but there is a lot of pressure any way when you are a Standard Bearer.”