THEY say that Souters aye return to Selkirk.

If Ian Clapperton's new book is anything to go by then the claim is undoubtedly true.

Mr Clapperton charts the history of Selkirk Colonial Society with his well-researched and entertaining Tales of the Exiles.

From the organisation's origins in Canada through to recently completed mosaics along the Riverside, the book provides a fascinating insight into one of Selkirk's most recent historic casting associations.

Ian told the Border Telegraph: "Tales of Exiles tells the story of the Society from its founding in Hespeler, Ontario during 1910 by Souters who had emigrated looking for work in what was the textile capital of Canada.

"We journey through the next 100 plus years to 2018 and the newly created mosaic on Riverside and the Market Place regeneration with the Society emblem 'set in stone' alongside the other casting associations."

Included in Tales of the Exiles is a photo gallery of all Colonial Standard Bearers and Lady Bussers dating back to John Johnstone and his Lady Busser Miss C Williamson in 1911.

Apart from the First and Second world war years, a Souter has returned to Selkirk every June to cast the Colonial Flag during the Common Riding celebrations.

In recent decades it has only taken a flight or two to reach home soil, but in the early days of the Society making their way back to the Royal Burgh from the likes of Hawaii, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Brazil often proved more problematic.

Ian added: "Many tales of our members are spread across the book, starting with those who were involved in the founding of the Society in 1910 and ending with stories from our 'exiles' in more recent years.

"Some of these tales were written by High School students as part of the annual Colonial History Medal competition, while others originated from newspaper articles, or from the members themselves."

Tales of the Exiles is now available from The Forest Bookshop in Selkirk's Market Place, priced at £7.50.