THE MELROSE Festival appointment night took place on Friday at the town’s Corn Exchange

And Douglas Crawford was formally appointed as the 2022 Melrosian, following in the footsteps of his father Mike who was given the same honour in 1984; uncle Cameron in 1989 and brother Donald who led the 2015 celebrations.

Border Telegraph: Melrosian Dougas Crawford with his Right and Left hand men Ben Magowan and Will Owen. Picture Douglas HardieMelrosian Dougas Crawford with his Right and Left hand men Ben Magowan and Will Owen. Picture Douglas Hardie

His Right and Left Hand men were named as former Melrosian Ben Magowan and Will Owen.

Douglas was initially chosen in 2020, but COVID meant that the Melrose Festival, along with other common ridings and events in the Borders, was cancelled.

After attending St Mary’s School, Douglas studied at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh before completing an undergraduate degree in psychology at Bath University and working as a recruitment consultant in London for a year.

He is currently studying for a doctorate at Glasgow University in Sports Psychology.

The evening started at 7pm with entertainment from the band who played a number of well-known songs including ‘I’ve got Rhythm’, ‘Walking on Sunshine’, ‘Blaydon Races’ and Blame it on the Boogie.

Chairman Rob Moffat then opened proceedings and his wife Sue did the honours providing rosettes and sashes to the recipients.

Border Telegraph: The 2022 Melrose Festival Queen Madeline Rausse and her Court (front row) and classThe 2022 Melrose Festival Queen Madeline Rausse and her Court (front row) and class

The Melrose Festival Queen was announced as Madeline Rausse and her court consists of First Attendant - Sophie Middleton; Second Attendant - Orla McCarthy; Courtier Proclamation - Seb Darlow; Courtier Crown and Sceptre - Jamie Gillespie; Herald - Finlay Mitchell; Herald - Euan Williams; Trainbearer - Anouk Richard; Trainbearer - Isla Prophet; Lead Cyclist 1 - Nell Ketteridge; Lead Cyclist 2 - Advait Roshan; and Lead Cyclist 3 - Harriet Lindsay.

The Art Prize was won by Belle Douglas.

They were joined on stage by fellow Primary Seven pupils from the school.

Douglas was then paraded round the cross on the shoulders of Ben and Will to the tune of ‘Congratulations’ and received warm applause from spectators.

Border Telegraph: Melrosian Dougas Crawford with his Right and Left hand men Ben Magowan and Will Owen. Picture Douglas HardieMelrosian Dougas Crawford with his Right and Left hand men Ben Magowan and Will Owen. Picture Douglas Hardie

Douglas said: “It is with great pride that I following in the footsteps of dad Michael, Uncle Cameron and most recently my brother Donald. I will do my best to carry out my responsibilities to the highest standard and represent the town to the best I can.

“It’s amazing to see all the festivals return after what’s been a difficult two years. they truly are a special and unique thing that places community at the centre of it all.

“With the introduction of Will Owen as my left hand man and I’d like to thank Will and my right hand man Ben Magowan for their support.

“If the other towns’ appointment nights are anything to go by and the ones we have been to so far, I can tell I’m going to have a good summer full of laughs.

“I feel extremely privileged to be appointed as this year’s Melrosian and have the opportunity to represent my town our own and other towns’ festivals."