SPORTS student Struan Hutchison has been named as the 2016 Melrosian Elect.

The 19-year-old was unveiled as the man to lead his town during this summer's Festival at the annual Ex-Melrosians Burns Supper on Saturday.

A capacity crowd at the Greenyards gave Struan an enthusiastic welcome after his appointment was announced.

Melrose Festival Chairman Michael Crawford presented the rugby scrum-half with a Festival tie and wished him every success during his year of office.

Following his appointment, Struan said: "I am honoured to have been asked to be Melrosian and I'm looking forward to the summer.

"In the meantime I'll try to learn to ride a horse."

Saturday's Burns Supper proved yet again to be a major success.

The Immortal Memory was eloquently delivered by Donald Francis, while Ex-Melrosian Donald Crawford provided a humorous Toast to the Lasses.

Emma Ironside hit back with a fitting Reply.

The Toast to Melrose Town and Trade was provided expertly by estate agent Jamie McPherson with James Marjoribanks delivering an outstanding Reply.

The evening was compared by chairman Max Robbie.

And Ex-Melrosian Fraser Anderson provided an all-encompassing Vote of Thanks.

The entertainers were, as always, in good form.

Michael Crawford brilliantly Addressed the Haggis, while the music and song of Drew Scott, Clark Eaton-Turner and Donald Swanson was deserving of it ovation.