THE calming influence of Standard Bearer Peter Forrest made sure Selkirk Common Riding ran like clockwork on Friday.

Just hours after Storm Hector had ripped through the region, Souters awoke to a serene and surprisingly relaxed morning.

And about to head their day-long celebrations was to be the most relaxed of them all - Standard Bearer Forrest.

The Flute Band's Rouse Parade set the tone for a day few will forget.

Hundreds gathered at the War Memorial to honour the brave sons of Selkirk who didn't come home.

And as the First Drum was sounded at 6am in the Market Place, the hundreds who do come home year after year from far off lands burst into song.

Her Bright Smile has rarely sounded so good.

The build-up had well and truly begun.

And by the time Standard Bearer Forrest was officially installed by Lady Busser, Dylis Wheelans, on the balcony of the Victoria Hall the hundreds had grown to thousands.

A total of 281 riders followed the 2018 Standard Bearer doon the Green, across the Ettrick and up the Linglie.

Everyone one of them was safe oot and every one of them returned safe in, some two-and-a-half hours later.

Official reports later confirmed only three minor falls occurred throughout the entire procession.

As Standard Bearer Forrest, duly assisted by his Attendants Craig Monks, Robbie Reilly, Thomas Willmott and Liam Cassidy, led the cavalcade beyond Tibbie's towards the Three Brethren, beneath in the ancient streets of Selkirk the Hammermen, the Weavers, the Fleshers, the Colonials, the Merchants and the Ex-Soldiers began to muster ahead of their march to the Toll.

All the pomp and ceremony, headed by the trusty Silver and Pipe bands, brings out the best in this small rural burgh.

It's a place where pride and passion go hand in hand with smiles and laughter.

Songs are sung, friendships rekindled and customs observed as the crowds patiently await the Coming in of the Burley.

And they didn't have to wait long at Selkirk's northern most entrance as Standard Bearer Forrest, aboard the grey-dappled Lizzie, arrived to a cacophony of cheers and shouts of encouragement.

Proud parents, Ann and Rob, as well as girlfriend, Emma Pearce, were the first to offer him their congratulations as a well-deserved breather is taken at The Toll.

And, in time-honoured fashion, his mounted followers made their own spectacular galloping return to the auld toon.

Joyce Wright, representing the Ladies section of the Rig Committee, presented the traditional riding crop to Standard Bearer Forrest before he remounted to conclude his duties.

And what a conclusion it is.

The Casting of the Colours pays homage to the heroic Fletcher, who returned from Flodden with a captured English banner and defiantly cast it around his head before dying.

To Up wi' the Souters Standard Bearer Forrest brought his ceremonial duties to an end with an impeccable cast.

Reflecting on his day, Peter told us: "Being Standard Bearer was everything I knew it would be and more.

"I enjoyed the Marches - really enjoyed it - and my horse Lizzie was great.

"You think it can't get any better then it does. Coming in at The Toll was unbelievable and the Casting was something that will live with me forever.

"It has been a truly amazing day and I'd like to thank everyone who came out and supported me."