THE lead role at one of the most historic festivals in the Borders is not one many would be inclined to give up easily.

But it was something that tradition dictated had to be done as amidst cheers and laughter 20-year-old Calum Murray was handed the flag that signalled his appointment as Whipman for the 211th renewal of West Linton’s summer gala.

After completing the formalities in a ceremony in a marquee on the village green Calum’s predecessor Alan Stewart said: “If somebody asked me now if I wanted to do it again my answer would be: ‘You bet’.” Earlier Alan had brought giggles from the excited crowd as he wisecracked about the youth of his successor. “A year ago when I was asked to be Whipman we went out for a nice meal so when I got to thinking what I should do with Calum I thought I’d take him out for a meal. I said where would you like to go? And he said McDonald’s - now we know what we are in for!” Alan added that he and his Lass Susan had a fabulous time visiting towns and villages all over the area and enjoyed great hospitality. “I want to thank everyone for giving us the opportunity to do something as exciting as this,” he said.

According to tradition he then returned the Whipman flag “unsullied and untarnished”.

The Barony Herald, Thomas Harris, a P7 pupil at West Linton Primary School, read the Proclamation of Whipman 2014 before Calum and his Lass. Alison Hardie, took centre stage.

Calum said: I’d like to thank Alan for giving me the flag as I know he wasn’t keen to hand it over. I’ve already had the chance to visit Currie, Innerleithen and Penicuik and am looking forward to meeting many more people in the months ahead.

“I will carry the ancient flag with honour and pride and I promise to return the flag one year ahead unsullied and untarnished.” Calum admitted that he had had plenty of riding practice for the senior rideout on Saturday. “I rode at Penicuik and had no problems but I did fall off once and was a little sore,” he said.

“Alan has given me one tip and that’s not to have a drink before I do it! But I’m sure everything will turn out fine in the end.” In her address Rev Linda Dunbar, the minister at St Andrew’s Church in the village since last October, said: “This is my first Whipman and I am enthusiastic about it all. I can already see why folk speak up so much out about the friendliness and community spirit in this village.” Before she led the audience in the singing of the 100th Psalm she said: “I wish Calum and Alison fun, laughter in the mirth in the coming months.” Presenting Lady Nan Thomson gave gifts to ex-Whipmen and their Lasses to mark their anniversaries - Bill Swan celebrated his 60th, George Short his 40th and Neil Forsyth his 30th. The Whipman of 50 years ago, Peter Walker, was unable to attend.

Flower Girl Amy Chapman, 5, presented flowers to the Presenting Lady before Celia Hayton led a rousing rendering of the Whipman Song.

The Whipman Lass presented the Fancy Dress prizes and then joined in the post-Installaton reel outside the marquee.

The crowds then thronged the narrow streets of the village to watch the procession led by the West Linton and District Pipe Band.

Applause rang around West Linton when the new Whipman and Lass waved as they passed by them on their horses followed by excited children on brightly-decorated floats.

Some of the spectators were soaked from the water pistols that the youngsters pointed in their direction but no-one was complaining.

But it was something that tradition dictated had to be done as amidst cheers and laughter 20-year-old Calum Murray was handed the flag that signalled his appointment as Whipman for the 211th renewal of West Linton’s summer gala.

After completing the formalities in a ceremony in a marquee on the village green Calum’s predecessor Alan Stewart said: “If somebody asked me now if I wanted to do it again my answer would be: ‘You bet’.” Earlier Alan had brought giggles from the excited crowd as he wisecracked about the youth of his successor. “A year ago when I was asked to be Whipman we went out for a nice meal so when I got to thinking what I should do with Calum I thought I’d take him out for a meal. I said where would you like to go? And he said McDonald’s - now we know what we are in for!” Alan added that he and his Lass Susan had a fabulous time visiting towns and villages all over the area and enjoyed great hospitality. “I want to thank everyone for giving us the opportunity to do something as exciting as this,” he said.

According to tradition he then returned the Whipman flag “unsullied and untarnished”.

The Barony Herald, Thomas Harris, a P7 pupil at West Linton Primary School, read the Proclamation of Whipman 2014 before Calum and his Lass. Alison Hardie, took centre stage.

Calum said: I’d like to thank Alan for giving me the flag as I know he wasn’t keen to hand it over. I’ve already had the chance to visit Currie, Innerleithen and Penicuik and am looking forward to meeting many more people in the months ahead.

“I will carry the ancient flag with honour and pride and I promise to return the flag one year ahead unsullied and untarnished.” Calum admitted that he had had plenty of riding practice for the senior rideout on Saturday. “I rode at Penicuik and had no problems but I did fall off once and was a little sore,” he said.

“Alan has given me one tip and that’s not to have a drink before I do it! But I’m sure everything will turn out fine in the end.” In her address Rev Linda Dunbar, the minister at St Andrew’s Church in the village since last October, said: “This is my first Whipman and I am enthusiastic about it all. I can already see why folk speak up so much out about the friendliness and community spirit in this village.” Before she led the audience in the singing of the 100th Psalm she said: “I wish Calum and Alison fun, laughter in the mirth in the coming months.” Presenting Lady Nan Thomson gave gifts to ex-Whipmen and their Lasses to mark their anniversaries - Bill Swan celebrated his 60th, George Short his 40th and Neil Forsyth his 30th. The Whipman of 50 years ago, Peter Walker, was unable to attend.

Flower Girl Amy Chapman, 5, presented flowers to the Presenting Lady before Celia Hayton led a rousing rendering of the Whipman Song.

The Whipman Lass presented the Fancy Dress prizes and then joined in the post-Installaton reel outside the marquee.

The crowds then thronged the narrow streets of the village to watch the procession led by the West Linton and District Pipe Band.

Applause rang around West Linton when the new Whipman and Lass waved as they passed by them on their horses followed by excited children on brightly-decorated floats.

Some of the spectators were soaked from the water pistols that the youngsters pointed in their direction but no-one was complaining.