WATCH: Kelso Laddie lights up town's Civic Week celebrations
Last updated 26 minutes ago
Kelso Laddie Chad Patterson is lighting up the town this week - as he leads its annual Civic Week celebrations.
The 21-year-old - who works as a groundsman at Kelso racecourse - was officially installed at an open-air ceremony in the Square last night (Wednesday).
And representatives from festivals across the region turned out to show their support.
He then joined the pipe band, former Principals, and local families, at the front of a laser light procession to the banks of the River Tweed for a fireworks display - one of the highlights of the festivities.
"I've always wanted to be the Kelso Laddie, ever since I was a young boy following Civic Week all the time," Chad told Greatest Hits Radio following the colour-bussing ceremony.
"It's just been great, (working) around horses, being able to lead your own cavalcade, it's absolutely amazing."
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The Kelso Laddie has already represented the town at a number of common ridings across the Borders this summer, but said this week's celebrations in his home town would be a memory he would cherish forever.
"It's incredible, the way your body feels doing something like that. Words really can't describe the feeling," he said.
"To get the opportunity to go out and buss the flag tonight in front of a massive Kelso crowd, it's just amazing."
Reflecting on the summer so far, he added: "From starting at Hawick (Common Riding) and then going through all the other Border towns so far, everything's been absolutely immense.
"I've made friendships for life, it's just incredible."
But he added: "Tonight will be the moment that stands out. I'll never forget that feeling."
Meanwhile, a man who has dedicated more than six decades to volunteering at the Border Ice Rink was honoured during the sun-kissed ceremony.
Bill Cleghorn - who was the town's first registered curling coach - received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ex-Kelso Laddies Club in recognition of his contribution to the community.
Mr Cleghorn said: "It means a lot because I was nominated by the people of Kelso."
But he joked: "I was trying to work (out how many years it was) because I was on so many committees at the same time, when you add it all together it came to something like 160 years!"
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