IF anyone was ever destined to lead the St Ronan's festivities it was surely Ronan Caine.

The 23-year-old graduate was introduced as the 2019 Standard Bearer Elect in Innerleithen on Friday evening.

Ronan, who recently gained an engineering degree at Glasgow Caledonian University, was introduced to a packed Memorial Hall by festival chairman Alan Patterson.

And he was joined on the stage by his long-term girlfriend, Caitlin Urquhart, as Standard Bearer's Lass Elect.

Ronan told the gathering: "On accepting the post of Standard Bearer Elect, I would like to thank the committee for choosing me to represent the Burgh of Innerleithen.

"It shall be my earnest endeavour to carry out the duties of the office to the satisfaction of my fellow townspeople.

"On behalf of my Lass and myself, I thank you, Mr Chairman, for your kind remarks and you Ladies and Gentlemen for the reception accorded to me this evening.”

The 2019 Lady Busser was unveiled as fifth year Peebles High School pupil Estelle Nguyen.

While the Principal Guest for the 2019 Cleikum Ceremonies is local academic and sporting champion Geraint Florida-James.