'It's such an honour and a privilege': Callant reflects ahead of King's visit to Jedburgh
The bunting is out and the rugby posts are down, as Jedburgh prepares to welcome the King to the historic Royal Burgh.
Charles is expected to be given a glimpse of the town’s annual summer festival during his visit today (Thursday) – with the pipe band set to lead a procession of horses through the town centre.
At the front will be the man chosen to lead this year’s event, Robbie Thomson.
“It was a big shock when we all got told beforehand,” the Jethart Callant told Greatest Hits Radio, ahead of last night’s ride to Nisbet. “It was a big secret.
“I think there's only been one other Callant to have met the King or Queen, so it's such a big honour and privilege, and I really can't wait.”
The 25-year-old - a trainee solicitor, based in Edinburgh - will dismount to perform a traditional reel during the visit, as crowds gather in the town centre.
Among those watching on will be hundreds of flag-waving schoolchildren.
“I'm not the best dancer,” Robbie smiled. “We'll see how that goes.
“But riding up the town, seeing King Charles with the town's flag by my side is going to be an indescribable feeling, I think.”
And he added: “I'm sure it'll be good, and good for him to see what this is all about, what the town's all about.”
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The King - who last visited the Scottish Borders three years ago - will also be invited to start a game of hand ba’; watch a carpentry demonstration at the Jed Shed; and meet local traders.
Among the other highlights on the day, His Majesty will be shown the recently refurbished Jedforest Bandstand, which was opened by The Princess Royal in April 2006 - the last time the town was visited by a member of the Royal Family.
Road closures
A number of road closures will be in place across Jedburgh town centre on Thursday, to accommodate the King's visit.
The High Street will be closed, from Market Place to Smith’s Wynd, from 8am to 5pm on July 2nd.
Access to the Coop supermarket will be maintained via Queen Street and Smiths Wynd. High Street businesses will be accessible on foot.
Abbey Bridge End, Abbey Place, Market Place, Castlegate, Exchange Street, Canongate will all be closed from 9am to 5pm.
Alternatives routes: Castlegate closure – via B6358, A698 and A68; Exchange Street closure – via C38, A698 and A68.
Parking restrictions
Parking will be prohibited on the following roads from 6pm on Wednesday, July 1st, to 5pm on Thursday, July 2nd:
Abbey Bridge End, Abbey Place, Market Place, High Street, Castlegate, Exchange Street, Canongate, and Deans Close. In addition, the A68 – from Oxnam Road to Bongate; and Oxnam Road – from A68 to Wildcat Gate.
The following car parks will be closed between 1am and 5pm on Thursday, July 2nd: Murrays Green, The Glebe and Canongate.
Limited disabled parking will be available in the Canongate car park with access from 10.30am.
Shuttle bus
The bus service will operate as normal.
A free park and ride shuttle bus, operated by Peter Hoggs of Jedburgh, will also run from Jedburgh Woollen Mill to the town centre - every 15 minutes, from 10am to 3pm, on Thursday.
Medical appointments
Patients attending appointments at Jedburgh Medical Practice on Thursday, July 2nd, are being advised to plan ahead and take the road closures and parking restrictions into account. Access to the practice will remain available via Queen Street and on foot.
Waste collections
Some waste collections in and around Jedburgh on Thursday are being moved to Sunday instead.
Scottish Borders Council is asking residents to put their bins out by 7am for pick up.
The following streets will be affected by the temporary change to waste collections: Abbey Bridge End, Abbey Close, Abbey Place, Atholl Court, Burn Wynd, Canongate, Castlegate, Crown Lane, Exchange Street, Friarsgate, High Street, Lanton Road, Market Place, Ninians Bell Close, Queen Marys Buildings, Queen Street, and properties on the C38 from Farmhouse to Wellwood, including The Broch, Wellwood, Tudhope Farmhouse and Tudhope Cottage.
Arrangements for all trade waste collections will be made in advance of the royal visit to minimise disruption.
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