'Living their dream': Selkirk jockey riding high as he leads town's Common Riding

"It's just a tradition, a very good tradition; and it's amazing to see all the folk that come back to Selkirk just for this day."

That's how one of the hundreds of faces who packed into Selkirk's Market Place on Friday morning summed up the town's Common Riding.

Local jockey Sam Coltherd led this year's festivities. And crowds of well-wishers lined the streets to show their support.

They had found their way from all parts.

One exiled Souter managed to grab a front row seat for the Casting of the Colours ceremony - which commemorates Selkirk's links to the Battle of Flodden - after setting off from his home in Innerleithen three hours before.

Not the other end of the Earth, but a journey that required a change of buses in Galashiels and some quick feet.

"It was a bit of a surreal experience," said Sam, who's ridden in the Grand National - not once, but twice.

The 27-year-old was following in the footsteps of his father, Stuart, who was appointed Royal Burgh Standard Bearer in 1993.

Mounted on retired racehorse Hidden Commander, he led a cavalcade of more than 200 horses and riders on a procession round the boundaries of the town - the culmination of a week-long series of events to celebrate its history.

"I've been in some top events all over the UK but I'd say that's up there with the atmosphere, and even the nerves getting on the stage," Sam added.

"But the crowds have been absolutely fantastic. The people of Selkirk – I couldn't thank them enough – and the weather's been kind to us as well."

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History was made at this year's event as Frances Anderson became the first woman to cast a flag for Selkirk Colonial Society.

The 21-year-old, who lives in San Francisco, is now the third member of the family to carry the Society Flag following her dad in 2013, and great-great grandfather Robert Anderson - known locally as Honolulu Bob - a century earlier.

However, she wasn't the first woman to cast a flag on Common Riding Day.

Fiona Deacon made history when she carried the Ex-Servicemen's (Ex-Soldiers') Standard in 2014. And Kirsten Darling followed in her footsteps two years later.

And it's hoped their involvement could encourage more females to take part.

Reflecting on the scenes in the centre of town as the Standard Bearer returned with his Attendants, Honorary Provost Rodney Pow said: "It was fabulous to see them coming in, living their dream and making sure that the traditions are upheld.

"I think Frances has done an exceptional job. When she was up there (on stage), there was no doubt she was in charge of the flag, and in windy conditions. I take my hat off to her."

For the Coltherd family, the day was also a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the centuries-old tradition for future generations amid concerns over rising costs.

"Organisers put an appeal out every year," Sam said. "It's insurances and all these different outgoings, and it's hard for young people coming through who want to follow in the history and the traditions."

But he added: "We've got to keep it going."

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