Twenty-three year Robbie Scott is the young man who has been chosen to carry the Blue Banner of St. Ronan’s this year.
The Chairman of St. Ronan’s Border Games, Keith Belleville, introduced Robbie as Standard Bearer-Elect to the townsfolk on Friday in a full to capacity Memorial Hall.
A former greenkeeper, Robbie now works for local company Glendinning Groundworks. He lives with his parents, Linda and David at Howford Farm, and his family have strong connections with the Games. He was a monk in 2000 and 2002 and his dad was a monk on four occasions. Robbie’s sister, Sandi, was Standard Bearer’s Lass in 2007 and his uncle Robin Laurie was Standard Bearer in 1978, the same year that his auntie Dawn Scott was Dux Girl. Robbie has played rugby for both Peebles and Walkerburn.
Robbie’s Lass is Rachel Lauder, 21, of Buccleuch Street. Rachel is no stranger to the festival either, having been a Sash Girl in 2003 before being selected as Dux Girl in 2004. She went on to be Lady Busser 2009. Her uncle, the late and sadly missed Graeme Glendinning, was Standard Bearer in 1991 and her family are great supporters of the festival. Rachel now works for JRW Chartered Accountants in Galashiels.
In accepting his appointment, Robbie said: “It shall be my earnest endeavour to carry out the duties of the office of Standard Bearer to the satisfaction of my fellow townspeople. On behalf of my Lass, Rachel, and myself, I thank you, Mr Chairman, for your kind remarks and you ladies and gentlemen for the reception accorded to me this evening.”
Robbie and Rachel were supported on Friday night by Standard Bearer Lyle Caine, his Lass Zoe Taylor, Right-hand Man Aaron Somerville, his Lass Narelle Allan and Left-hand Man Steven Notman and his Lass Kirstie Evans.
Other principals introduced on Friday were the Principal Guest and the Lady Busser. The 2014 Principal Guest is Alan Thomson. Mr Thomson will deliver the main speech during the Cleikum Ceremonies on Friday, July 18 and is well qualified for the role having taken an active part in St. Ronan’s Games Week since he moved to Innerleithen from Horsbrugh Ford in 1975.
Esmé Pringle, who was Dux Girl in 2009, will buss the crozier and staves at this year’s festival of the Cleikum. Esmé is a fifth-year pupil at Peebles High School, currently undertaking her Highers.
Following the introduction ceremony, Innerleithen Pipe Band led the principals and townsfolk on a circular route back to the Memorial Hall where a large crowd watched the official party dance a very energetic Standard Bearers’ Reel. A reception was then held when visiting principals from Peebles, West Linton, Penicuik and Musselburgh, as well as other invited guests, were entertained.
Mr Belleville will introduce St. Ronan, the Dux Girl, Monks, Sash Girls and Lantern Bearer on Friday, June 14 , completing the line-up for this year’s celebrations.