SELKIRK rolled out the red carpet on Saturday to welcome the Royal Company of Archers.


The Queen’s Body Guard for Scotland were competing for the historic Selkirk Silver Arrow – a competition dating back to the 17th century.


Despite the overcast conditions a good-sized crowd turned out to watch the official procession. And many also lined the shooting grounds at the Haining during competition.


A total of 15 Archers competed with the Royal Company Officer-in-Command Alan Simpson convincingly winning the Selkirk Arrow.  Each Archer shot a full programme of 12 ends, measuring 180 yards.


Walter Simpson from the Royal Company said: “In spite of the intermittent slight drizzle we had a lovely, enjoyable, afternoon.”


Prior to the shoot, Scottish Borders Council convenor David Parker welcomed the Royal Company to a lunch in the Victoria Halls.


Councillor Parker said: “The Selkirk Silver Arrow is an extremely prestigious prize.


“There is a lot of competition between the archers – it was clear that the Selkirk Arrow is one they really want to win.


“Selkirk looked great for the procession. It was a really enjoyable day and one that keeps this ancient tradition alive.”


Selkirk Silver Band and the town’s Burgh Officers led the procession through Selkirk to the shooting grounds on the Haining Estate.


And following the day’s sport the Royal Company marched back to Sir Walter Scott’s Courthouse to take a general salute before being ordered to dismiss.


A mess dinner for the archers and guests was held in the evening at Bowhill by the Duke of Buccleuch, who is Captain General of the Royal Company.


The Royal Company of Archers was constituted as an archery company in 1676 and was appointed The King’s Body Guard for Scotland (today The Queen’s) in 1822.