CASTING the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer’s flag for visiting royals was a “massive honour” for Thomas Bell.
On Thursday His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla came to the Borders as part of Holyrood Week – first visiting the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels before driving down the A7 to Selkirk.
As part of their visit to the Royal Burgh, the King and Queen toured Lochcarron of Scotland’s Waverley Mill before heading up to the Market Place to meet local businesses, organisations, and witness the unique Casting of the Colours by Standard Bearer Bell.
Thomas had not long taken up his duties as Selkirk Standard Bearer at the town’s common riding last month before he was officially told he was to be involved in the royal visit.
He told the Border Telegraph: “I was briefly told about the casting in May but I didn’t know it would be for the King and Queen.”
He added that he was told it was confirmed that the King and Queen would be visiting around two weeks before their trip to the Borders.
“It was a massive honour,” he said. “I was so happy to do it and it was great to see.
“It was good seeing the King speak to the crowds and enjoy the town.
“They passed me by before the casting and had a quick chat.
“The King asked me where my horse was.”
Upon arriving at the Market Place, Their Majesties were greeted by the Duke of Buccleuch and met the town’s three Scottish Borders Council councillors – Caroline Cochrane, Leagh Douglas, and Elaine Thornton-Nicol – and Andy Murray, the chairman of Selkirk Community Council.
Following the royal visit, Ms Cochrane shared to social media: “Well what [a] day for Selkirk!
“Reflecting on what I have to say is my proudest moment so far as a councillor and a Souter.
“I was moved to tears watching Thomas Bell once again shine on the platform casting our Royal Burgh flag.
“The biggest memory for me will be the crowd that came out in the town and the smiles and happiness all around, young and old enjoying the experience, and our fantastic silver band adding so much to the atmosphere.
“For a wee toon we can certainly punch above our weight and boy did we give them a welcome.”
The royals then walked around the square, meeting members of the public as well as businesses such as Selkirk Distillers and the General Store.
The King and Queen also met members of the Souter Stormers who had crocheted a crown to cover the Market Place’s letter box as part of May’s coronation celebrations.
Their Majesties then stood in front of the platform to watch Thomas cast the colours.
Accompanied by Selkirk Silver Band, Standard Bearer Bell did his duty well, despite the windy conditions.
He said: “It was great to see them both [King and Queen] standing and smiling.”
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