Selkirk: Common Riding reveals Adam Nichol as Standard Bearer

After a two-year-long wait, Adam Nichol was finally declared the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer for Selkirk Common Riding 2022 on Friday night.

The 27-year-old has been preparing for this day since he was a boy.

He said: "It's probably the worst kept secret ever but it's nice to be finally out there.

"The name's got a title to it so it's great. It's been a great night.

"It's been a long time coming, I've waited a wee while, two extra years.

"But it's great to finally be here and it's great there's loads of folk out and it's great to see."

Adam and his attendants led up Back Row by Selkirk Silver Band. Photo: Alwyn Johnston

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, in-person celebrations of the Common Riding in the Royal and Ancient Burgh have been on hold for the last two years.

Now, however, the town is set to celebrate in a big way this summer.

When asked which part of the upcoming festivities he's looking forward to the most, Adam said his highlight will be casting the colours in the town square.

"I just can't wait to cast the flag," he said. "I've been doing it since I was two or three-years-old in the garden with wee flags, tea towels, everything like that.

"I'm looking forward to the casting, cannae wait for that."

Adam is the first member of his family to be named Royal Burgh Standard Bearer. His dad, John, was Mettrick Company Standard Bearer in 1994.

"I'm the first Royal Burgh Standard Bearer in the family," added Adam, "it's quite special."

Joining Adam are his attendants – Conall Fairbairn, Thomas Bell, Fraser Easson, and Thomas Stanners.

On Friday night, Selkirk Silver Band paraded down Market Place before the clock struck 7pm and Adam was carried out of the Town Hall by his attendants.

The parade made its way down to Mungo Park from the Market Place before heading up Back Row, on to Kirk Wynd then back down the high street to Victoria Hall for the Ex Standard Bearers' Concert.

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Adam is also looking forward to spending time with his fellow standard bearers from across the Borders, many of whom have been announced in recent weeks.

He said: "Hopefully I can catch up with everybody tonight.

"Everybody's been announced in the last few weeks.

"It's all go from here and I'm looking forward to it."

Selkirk Common Riding will take place on Friday, June 17, beginning with the Rouse Parade at 4am and the day's celebrations will end with the Selkirk Common Riding Ball at the Victoria Hall.