EVEN the mixed weather couldn’t dampen spirits in Selkirk last week.

Massive crowds turned out last Friday (June 17) to see Adam Nichol finally take up his role as Royal Burgh Standard Bearer after a two-year wait.

After stepping off the platform in the Market Place and joining his family, friends and members of the Common Riding committee in the town hall, Adam told the Border Telegraph it was a “special” day.

“Honestly I feel really good, it’s just hard to put into words how I’m feeling,” he said.

Being a Standard Bearer is something Adam has been preparing for since he was a little boy.

“The whole morning, the whole day, has flown by,” he said. “The whole thing’s been perfect.

“It’s quite special.

“Just the memories of doing it [casting] in the garden with my dad.

“Doing it for real now is just incredible.”

From practising Casting the Colours in his back garden with tea towels, to standing on the platform in Market Place in front of thousands of people holding the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer’s flag, Friday marked a full circle moment for 27-year-old Adam.

On stepping off the platform, he said: “I’ve never felt a high like it.

“Kenning you’ve done it right and after all that practising and the extra years of waiting.

“Having my dad playing the drum in the band, standing there looking at me.

“And the amount of folk out watching is just something else.”

The forecast for Friday was for drizzle, 18°c temperatures and a breeze.

And although at 6.45am for the Bussin’ on the balcony at Victoria Hall it looked as though it could be a dreich day, the sun soon appeared in time for Adam and visiting principals to ride through the town and ford the River Ettrick before continuing on to the Three Brethren.

Every step of the way Adam was supported by his family and friends.

Adam said: “My dad was playing the drums, my mum, stepdad and sister were up here [on the town hall balcony] watching.”

And Adam was also ably supported by his right and left hand men.

He added: “Of course I had the attendants.

“Four really good pals before any of this so it was great to have them alongside me the whole way.

“Just amazing folk, I’m really proud of the boys today, they did an amazing job.”