Lauder Common Riding is something of a family affair for the Cornet and Cornet’s Lass, with connections stretching back 60 years.
Elected on Friday night, Cornet Cameron McNeill’s father Crawford carried the burgh flag in 1984.
For this year’s Cornet’s Lass, Helen Middlemiss, the Common Riding runs in the blood of the family.
Her grandfather, father, brother and cousin have all been Cornet, while her grandmother, sister and another cousin have been Cornet’s Lass.
Both Cameron and Helen said there would be no shortage of advice on their year in the town’s spotlight.
“It is excellent to be following in my father’s footsteps,” said Cameron. “There will be a few things he can give me help with along the way.”
The 23-year-old landscape gardener has taken part in the Common Riding since he was 13. Cameron added: “I can’t wait for Common Riding week, it will be the best week of my life.”
Helen and Cameron have been close friends for a number of years, and the 26-year-old Earlston Primary School teacher told us that she would be proud to follow Cameron round the Lauder marches.
She said: “I’m obviously delighted to be Cornet’s Lass, and he is a great choice. It is going to be excellent.
“This will be the 20th year I’ll have ridden, but I’m sure it will be the best. I’m delighted, it is a dream come true.”
Ian Fallas, chairman of Lauder Common Riding Committee, added: “Cameron is another member of the 2010 club to have come through, so we’ve got a good Cornet this year and I’m sure he’ll do the town proud.
“The club was set up by the young lads interested in being Cornet and they’ve had suitable encouragement and have followed the respective Cornets since 2010, so they all have a good knowledge of how things run.”
He explained: “It is a feeder system that is working well just now.”
As ever the picking night in Lauder was well supported by the town and visiting principals.
Ian added: “It all went to plan and we have got a good, popular Cornet and Cornet’s Lass, so it looks like another fine year.”