MOST young boys pretend to be playing football at the World Cup, flying a spaceship or driving a fire engine – not Greg MacDougall.

At the age of three he was casting miniature flags and steering his hobby horse in at an imaginary Toll.

That childhood dream of being the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer has never left him.

And it was finally realised on Friday.

The 27-year-old auctioneer and valuer was quick to admit the wait had been worthwhile as he drew breath after returning the Burgh Flag unsullied and untarnished in Selkirk Market Place.

On the balcony overlooking the historic Market Place, Greg told us: “Everything was just perfect.

“I wasn’t nearly as nervous as I thought I would have been – I was more nervous when I was an Attendant – and that was a good thing as I could enjoy it more.

“The weather was good, my horse was really well-behaved and I had excellent Attendants.

“It’s been a dream of mine for a long time – since I was a wee boy – and I have now done it. The whole build up has been amazing and the day itself has flown by.” From the moment Standard Bearer MacDougall was Installed on the balcony above the Fletcher Monument early on Friday morning until his final duties beneath the statue of Sir Walter Scott some four hours later, his own entry into the history books couldn’t have gone any better.

If there were nerves they didn’t show.

Aboard Bannock he led his procession through the ancient streets of the town he’s called home for all of his 27 years.

Cheers, smiles and waves followed him down the Green towards the Ettrick Water.

All 330 mounted followers forded safely behind him before galloping up the Linglie Glen.

The cloud was as high as the spirits as the cavalcade checked this ancient Burgh’s lands and boundaries, something they have done since King David first gifted them to the town in 1113.

The iconic Three Brethren provided a welcome rest for both man and beast – and allowed for some traditional song.

Four miles away in the Market Place the town’s bands were yet again tuning up and the ancient Associations, Corporations and Societies were re-mustering before leading Souters to the Toll.

And an hour later these two threads of this proud, historic celebration would re-unite.

Thousands gathered at the northern entrance to Selkirk – all eyes watching expectantly up the A7.

And at 10.09am, like a cacophonic Mexican wave, the cheers rolled up through the Toll preceding the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer of 2014.

Greg and Bannock arrived as one, flag in hand, and for once that poker-faced expression was broken by a huge smile.

Trusty Attendants – Thomas Bell, Darren Knox, Adam Nichol and Scott Rodgerson – arrived together amidst further cheers.

As has become tradition, Standard Bearer MacDougall dismounted and welcomed each and every one of his followers.

With proud mum and dad, Laura and Ewan, beside their son he offered a smile, a wave and even the occasional tip of his bowler hat to each rider who galloped up the Gala Road.

And as the Burleymen – Martin Rodgerson, Douglas Gunn, Michael Craig and Gavin Henderson – brought up the rear of this magnificent cavalcade it was time for Standard Bearer MacDougall’s crowning moment.

Almost 24 years since he first picked up a miniature flag and cast it round his head in the garden at Elm Row, Greg MacDougall climbed onto that red plinth high above the masses who had come frae a’ the airts.

And with impeccable timing he delivered what his uncle and dad had done before him – a perfect cast.

For weeks leading up to the Common Riding, uncle James Heatlie, who was Royal Burgh Standard Bearer in 1976, and dad, Ewan, who was the Merchant Company Standard Bearer in 1999, have been guiding, teaching and encouraging him at flag practice.

It had all been worth it.

Greg added: “I couldn’t have had better teachers. I got it right - it was such a relief when I got to the third count and knew I was in time.

“There is so much emotion when you are up there. I’ve been Attendant five times but I’ve never seen so many people with tears in their eyes as this year. It has been an emotional day for a lot of people.” As the final notes of Up Wi’ the Souters faded, high up on the Town Hall balcony Greg’s parents hugged with delight.

Mum Laura later revealed her emotions. She said: “All Greg has ever wanted to do since he was about three-and-a-half is to be the Standard Bearer. It was always going to be such a proud day for us but we both knew the casting would be the most emotional part.

“When Greg was casting the flag, Ewan began shaking – I just grabbed his hand and held it till Greg finished. The hug was as much about relief as anything – you couldn’t have had two prouder parents.” As well as his parents, sister Ashley was there and so were all four of his grandparents, Jimmy and Betty MacDougall, and Jim and Mary Inglis.

Dad Ewan told us: “I am really pleased that my mum and dad, and Laura’s mum and dad, are all still with us to see this day.

“I knew the casting count and if Greg had made a mistake we would have known, but he was perfect.

“We have both been heavily involved in Greg’s build up and everything had just built up and built up – that was just total emotion for us when he cast the flag. It’s a day that none of us will ever forget.”