Skippy jumps at chance to cast flag
The Selkirk Merchant Company Standard Bearer for 2010 is Kenny Houston.
Better known as Skippy, the former police officer will cast the flag for the ancient company on Common Riding Day – June 18.
He told The Wee Paper: “I’m humbled and honoured. I spent more time in Selkirk when I met my wife Shirley in 1988 and I remember watching the Common Riding and thinking it must be a fantastic buzz and honour to represent the town in that way. I never in a million years thought that honour would be bestowed on me.”
Selkirk’s first standard bearer for 2010 was announced on Friday night at the company’s dinner in Selkirk Rugby Club.
The 49-year-old, who has lived in Selkirk for 19 years, first joined the police as a cadet aged 17 in his home town of Hawick. His 32-year career saw him work in Jedburgh, Galashiels and Newcastleton, when he was involved in the Lockerbie inquiry. He worked in traffic and was custody manager at Hawick before latterly becoming the Borders drug and alcohol awareness officer until his retirement last year. He also spent time in the Middle East training Iraqi police recruits in defensive tactics in 2004.
The father-of-two is a rugby commentator for Radio Borders and works for UK Anti-Doping, testing national and international athletes for drugs.
Shirley will be Skippy’s Lady Busser at the company’s bussin’ ceremony on June 15 and his colours will be deep purple and emerald green. The couple have two children, Rachel, 16 and Jack, 15, both at Selkirk High School.
Master Ian Clapperton chaired the evening when Neville Dundas proposed Skippy. Other speakers were former Deacon of the Fleshers, Rob Thomson, and Provost Jim Henderson, and the vote of thanks was given by Margaret Moyes.
After communal singing, the party celebrated at Skippy’s home in Hillview Crescent where the new Standard Bearer said the largest cheer of the night was reserved for his son Jack’s playing of the pipes.
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Weather for Selkirk
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
