INNERLEITHEN was buzzing with excitement at the weekend as St Ronan’s Border Games returned with a bang.
The week has been full of fun activities for all ages.
Before the official Games Week began, St Ronan’s Ex-Standard Bearers’ Association held its annual dinner-dance on Friday in the 856 Social Club.
Standard Bearer-elect Ryan Simpson, and his Lass-elect and wife Rachael, were joined by their families and supporters at the dinner.
After association chairman Lyle Caine welcomed guests and presented Ryan with his commemorative flashes, Innerleithen Pipe Band played as the Standard Bearer’s party danced the reel.
Then on Saturday (July 8) two events kicked off Games Week officially.
In the afternoon Victoria Park hosted the five-a-side football tournament.
Led by Standard Bearer 2022 Jonathan Lea, the winning side was Leithen Rovers B.
Leithen Rovers beat last year’s winners Peebles Rovers 2-1 in the final.
A total of 14 teams took part in the tournament.
Principals from Peebles, West Linton, Selkirk, Musselburgh, Penicuik and Edinburgh joined the celebrations.
The Standard Bearer’s Reel was danced at 11pm.
Food was provided by Gary Moore, entertainment came courtesy of Wireless and the bar was staffed by local volunteers as well as members of Peebles Ex-Cornets’ Association and the Beltane Committee.
Sunday (July 9) saw the return of the Kirkin’ Parade and Service at Innerleithen Parish Church.
Dux Boy 2023 Ruaridh Robb became the 24th Dux Boy and representative of St Ronan to raise the community flag at the Memorial Hall.
The flag will fly for the duration of Games Week with the exception of Friday evening when it will be raised at St Ronan’s Wells to allow for the Union Flag to fly at the Memorial Hall for the ‘For the Fallen’ service.
Following the Kirkin’ Parade the principals visited residents and staff at St Ronan’s House.
On Sunday afternoon crowds returned to the High Street for an hour of musical entertainment from Innerleithen Pipe Band and St Ronan’s Silver Band.
Blessed with sunshine, Pipe Major Bruce Gillie led a variety of pipe sets, while the Silver Band, conducted by Keith Belleville played a number of local and Scottish favourites.
The two bands then came together to play ‘Bonnie Black Isle’.
The Silver Band played the evening hymn tune, ‘St Ann’ before the massed bands marched off to ‘The Crags of Tumbledown’ with a promise of more superb music, provided by Innerleithen’s two bands at the Retreat on Games Saturday.
Everyone then fell in behind the bands and marched to Victoria Park for the Children’s Sports and Treat.
As well as the range of sporting activities on offer, locals of all ages enjoyed the face painting, inflatables and music provided by the Thunderzones.
On Tuesday, July 11 there was the Over 60s Party Night at the Memorial Hall, and on Wednesday there was the Quiz Night at the 856 Social Club.
Then Thursday saw the return of the Fancy Dress Parade and last night (Friday) the town took part in the Cleikum Ceremonies
Games Week continues this today (Saturday) with Games Day.
For more information, visit the St Ronan’s Border Games Facebook page.
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