The town’s silver band led the happy procession as crowds celebrated following Guy’s confirmation in the Town Hall as the man who will head up the town’s traditional summer celebrations.

The young Souter is the latest in a long line of Burgh men stretching back to heroic Fletcher who returned from the Battle of Flodden in 1513.

Guy told The Wee Paper: “It is something I have been wanting to do since I was a boy, especially for the last 12 years since I was first an attendant.

“It is just a huge honour for myself and my family.”

The 29-year-old from Ettrickhaugh Road is a keen horseman and has only missed a couple of Common Ridings since he first followed in 1986.

Being involved in the ancient tradition is in the family as his grandfather, Arthur Cowe, was the Flesher’s Standard Bearer in 1984.

A self-employed painter and decorator, Guy is looking forward most to the rideout on Common Riding morning and, of course, to the moving Casting of the Colours ceremony.

He’s also looking forward to catching up with friends he made across the Borders last year.

“With being an attendant last year I got to know a few of the principals from other towns and it was good to see a lot of them here to support us on Friday night,” he said.

At the later Appointment Night Concert in the Victoria Halls, Provost Jim Henderson said: “It is an honour he richly deserves and will be the fulfilment of a long-cherished ambition.

“We have every confidence that he will now take his place in the forefront of all our Common Riding celebrations and will represent Selkirk throughout the Borders with both dignity and distinction.

“It is a heavy responsibility we place on the shoulders of a young man but we have no doubt Guy will fulfil all of our expectations, and that he will carry out all of his many duties to the credit of himself, his family and the Royal and Ancient Burgh.”

Many Selkirk people will know Guy as a committed rugby player who turns out for Selkirk’s first team as a utility back. Guy said: “It’s my main hobby, it takes up a lot of my time.”

Guy also owns his own horse.

Guy’s late father, Ian, a financial advisor, died earlier this year.

His mother, Sally, is a special needs teacher and his sister, Emma, 27, a primary school teacher. Guy said: “They’re very excited and have been very supportive.”

Mrs Blair told us: “I’m very proud of him.

“He loves meeting people, the different principals from other towns and representing the town.

“He was attendant when he was 17 and it’s very much been worth the wait.

“Emma and I are really looking forward to the next few months.”

Guy’s girlfriend, 27-year-old Hayley White, a sales manager for Hawick Knitwear, will be his partner at ceremonial events.