Officers had to sound the retreat on their plans for the parade after a health and safety recce and talks with local police.

Territorial pipers and drummers from the 6th Battalion (52 Lowland), the Royal Regiment of Scotland had been scheduled to parade as part of the Pipers' Trail – part of the celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the Territorial Army.

The 460-mile trek started in Lerwick and ends in Edinburgh tomorrow. Peebles, Selkirk, Melrose and Galashiels featured on the Border leg.

Selkirk's parade was due to start from the police station and end in the Market Place with a musical performance and theatrical play.

Locals and visitors had gathered at popular vantage points such as the Chestnut Tree and two local pipers – Colin Turnbull and his nephew, David Turnbull – tuned-up at the police station to join the Army musicians.

Colin told The Wee Paper: "We were waiting to join when we were told it had been cancelled.

"We didn't know there was a problem up until then – but you have to do what you are told. We were taken to the Market Place and there were a lot of people along the route of the march waiting for the band."

A spokesman for the Army team co-ordinating the 460-mile trail said the decision to cancel had been taken jointly by them and the local police due to health and safety reasons.

He told The Wee Paper: "Due to factors, including narrow footpaths and the high level of traffic on the proposed parade route – part of it including the A7, it was decided it would cause too much disruption to close the busy road while the trail marched through.

"In addition, it would cause a potential health and safety risk as onlookers might have started to follow the trail and step onto the road.

"From the initial planning stages, The Pipers' Trail has been in contact with the police for advice on road policing.

"The team works closely with local police, following their advice to ensure that the highest levels of public safety are maintained and that no one is ever put at risk," he added.

Lothian and Borders Police said they would normally try and facilitate such events.