Farmer Craig Connell is the latest Pride o’ Lauderdale after being confirmed on Friday as this year’s Lauder Cornet.
And he brings a new blood to the illustrious line of Cornets that span the centuries – he’s the first from his family to be given the honour.
By his side as Cornet’s Lass will be former school pal and longtime friend, childcare assistant, 22-year-old Louise Wilson.
Craig has been a life-long follower of Lauder Common Riding and the 21-year-old couldn’t hide his delight as he was congratulated by chairman Ian Fallas and carried shoulder high through the town centre.
He said later: “I was born and brought up in Lauder and I think it’s a great place to live in and I love all the traditions.
“I’ve been following the common riding all my life and first rode in 2009. I have been waiting and hoping for this moment for so many years. I can’t believe it has finally happened. I am so excited and cannot wait for the summer to begin.”
Both Craig and Louise attended Lauder Primary and Earlston High schools. Craig plays rugby for Earlston and like, Craig, Louise was born and raised in Lauder.
She said ; “My uncles were cornets and my friends have been cornet’s lasses. It is one of those things that I though would never happen. I feel so ecstatic about being picked.
Friday’s start to the 2014 Common Riding were led by Stow Pipe Band and the announcement was made by chairman Ian as the clock struck 8pm.
The countdown to Lauder’s great day is now well and truly under way.
On Friday, May 23, Craig will lead his cavalcade to Threepwood crossroads for the traditional meeting with the Braw Lad and Braw Lass.