AS a young boy Ronan Caine sat amongst the audience in Innerleithen’s Memorial Hall and watched both his brothers and cousin being installed as Standard Bearer, dreaming that one day it would be him.

For the boy named after the town’s Patron Saint, Ronan was destined to be the pride of Innerleithen.

Only it was not with a crook in hand as the young Saint, it was to be many years later as a young man clutching St Ronan’s Blue Banner.

The childhood dream became a reality on Friday, when he graced the stage and raised high the Blue Banner over fellow townsfolk as the Standard Bearer for 2019.

His moment in the spotlight came after outgoing Standard Bearer Jamie Boyd, returned it unsullied and untarnished to Games President Alan Patterson.

Jamie managed to keep control of his emotions, but it was clear that the honour meant a great deal to him as he fought back the tears.

"I trust that I have carried out my duties of office to the satisfaction of my fellow townspeople. My year in office has been a very eventful and enjoyable one. Rosie and I have been guests at many Border Festivals and enjoyed each one immensely.

“I’d like to thank my supporters and their lasses for all their advice, my family for all their help, and Rosie for accompany me and helping me make this year so successful.”

Mr Patterson thanked the outgoing Standard Bearer and said he had "worthily upheld his stewardship".

Cheers erupted in the hall as Ronan was called up to the stage to be installed as Standard Bearer for 2019.

Mr Patterson said: “You have been called to this high office and your past record shows by word and deed that you justly deserve this honour. Guard this Standard securely and bear yourself well that you may long retain the trust of your fellow townspeople."

Standard Bearer’s Lass Caitlin Urquhart, was then called upon to invest Ronan with his sash and buss his colours.

After cheers that raised the roof off the historical hall, Caitlin was presented with her Cleikum Brooch.

Addressing the audience, the newly installed Standard Bearer said: "It is a great honour for me to be chosen as Standard Bearer of my native town, which at this time celebrates the traditions associated with its history. To our Dux Boy, Aaron, who tonight keeps alive the memory of our Patron Saint, St. Ronan, I tender my congratulations and best wishes for a successful year in office.

"As Standard Bearer for 2019, it will be my earnest endeavour to honour the memory of the founders of St. Ronan’s Border Games by carrying the Blue Banner of St. Ronan’s for the ensuing year. My thanks to you, Mr President, to my Right and Left Hand Supporters and to you, ladies and gentlemen for the reception you have accorded me tonight."

Proudly holding the banner at the memorial for the fallen, the rain battered down upon the new Standard Bearer who never flinched.

He said: “It was the one and only time I would get to experience that moment as the Standard Bearer so I wasn’t going to let the rain bother me. I just tried to take in that moment.”

Ronan told us that being installed as the Standard Bearer is a “dream come true”.

“It has been an amazing week. I have loved every single minute of it but it went by so quick and I can’t believe it’s over already. I enjoyed every part of it but dancing the reel at the Games Ball was extra special. Walking in with the pipe band playing gave me goose bumps.

“The Cleikum Ceremony was another highlight. I was a bit nervous for the installation speech but once I got that out of the way I was just so happy and couldn’t stop smiling.

“Everyone done an amazing job, the week went smoothly and all the children done fantastic in their roles”.

Ronan has carried on what has become a family tradition, with his name being added to the long list of Standard Bearers at St Ronan’s Wells.

He told us: “I will most definitely remember this week for the rest of my life.”