Selkirk Standard Bearer rides into history
David Knox • Published 27 Jun 2011 09:30
1 Comment
IT was the ancient Greek writer Sophoceles who declared that 'A man growing old becomes a child again.'
Selkirk Royal Burgh Standard Bearer Michael Craig acknowledged those wise words after a morning that will live with him for the rest of his life.
Just moments after returning the Burgh Flag, unsullied and untarnished, he told the Border Telegraph: "I am like a 48-year-old bairn right now, I can't stop smiling."
The paramedic had every reason to smile.
He'd just impeccably led his town in their annual Common Riding celebrations.
Standard Bearers these days, like policemen and doctors, appear to be getting younger and younger.
Michael Craig was an exception to that contemporary rule. And he used every bit of his 48 years' experience to carry out his duties without fault.
Throughout the busy Friday morning schedule he remained calm and authoritative.
He had more than his fair share of mishaps to deal with as several riders from his cavalcade were thrown on their way round the town's ancient boundaries. At one stage a loose horse almost charged into the cavalcade leaders.
Standard Bearer Craig added: "Everything was going really well - the flag change-overs with the attendants were spot on - but a loose horse came galloping into us at Peat Law. Our duty was to protect the flag and that is what we did."
Selkirk survives on its history. Traditions that span generations continue to make this small town thrive. On Friday, paramedic Michael Craig played his own part in keeping that community heart beating.
The 2011 Royal and Ancient Burgh Standard Bearer triumphantly led Souters frae a' the airts to honour customs that stem back as far as the battle of Flodden.
Following the emotive climax to his morning's duties - the Casting of the Colours - Standard Bearer Craig reflected: "Everything was perfect - the weather, the horse, the Toll, the Casting. "I've been waiting for this since I was first made attendant in 2000 and I can safely say it was worth the wait."
From the stirring Rouse Parade of the earliest hours to the return of the Burgh Flag, unsullied and untarnished, Selkirk celebrated. Young and old, Souter and stranger, they became one. Laughter and song filled the early morning air as anticipation built.
The Ex Soldiers paid their respects to the ones who wouldn't march with them on this historic occasion. The Exiles gathered beneath the County to greet long, lost friends. Songs from their childhood recited.
The hundreds became thousands as the foot procession gathered beneath the Victoria Halls. The immortalised Fletcher stared down on them - a true son of Selkirk. But today wasn't all about the past.
Royal and Ancient Burgh Standard Bearer Craig was installed high above his followers. As hundreds of sons of Selkirk have done before - he was charged with carrying his Burgh's flag around those precious boundaries.
As he mounted his horse, Salvador, his moment had begun. Down through the town he has called home all of his 48 years, Standard Bearer Craig was a confident figure at the head of his procession. With a calm assurance he led all 323 of his mounted followers through the gently flowing Ettrick Water - and to the Linglie Glen.
There were slips and falls - perhaps a few more than normal - but the danger only acted as a charge to the already electric atmosphere. The 12 miles that followed to Tibbies, the Three Brethren, over Peat Law, down the Nettlie and through the Ford are gruelling and tough. But for Standard Bearer Craig it was over within a flash.
Beneath, in the town, they feasted and toasted before marching back to the ancient northern Toll, to greet their Standard Bearer and all of his followers. Thousands lined the A7 - waiting.
At two minutes past ten, the distant cheer intensified and followed the arrival of Standard Bearer Craig and Salvador all the way up the Toll. Behind came his four attendants - Craig Monks, Gavin Henderson, Greg McDougall and Ricky McLean.
The Standard Bearer's job was almost done. Smiles and kisses from his partner, Lynda Jackson, and mother, June, were interrupted by handshakes from the stalwarts. After receiving the traditional riding crop from David Williamson of the Rig Race Committee, he could offer his own 'well-dones' the riders who have followed him round the Marches.
One by one the procession followed - some galloping with gusto, others savouring the moment - and each waved home by Standard Bearer Craig.
And to the Market Place they headed. A scarlet plinth awaiting.
There may have been grey skies hanging over the ancient town centre, but there was certainly no gloom. Colourful standards were unfurled as the crowds swarmed for a view.
A total of seven Standard Bearers have the honour of casting their flags.
And leading them is the Royal and Ancient Burgh Standard Bearer Michael Craig. With the composure and confidence he'd shown throughout the morning, he cast the Burgh banner as if he'd been doing it all his life. As the final tones of Up Wi' the Souters drifted away, the former Philiphaugh rugby player punched the air as though he'd just scored the winning try against Gala.
Alan Wheelans followed with the Hammermen's Flag. The smile he awarded himself as he finished his cast was testament to a job well done. Weavers Standard Bearer Michael Craig was also impeccable with his cast. The 46-year-old's dream of standing on that plinth finally realised.
Flesher Andrew Haddon climbed those stairs with a solemn look of concentration. This wasn't about enjoyment, it was about performing his duties without mistake. The 49-year-old needn't have worried - his cast of the flag was perfect.
While the others had enjoyed a few months of practice, Colonial Standard Bearer Bobby Murray had jetted in from Australia only a few days before the big day. But the warehouse manager could call on the experience of his previous honour as 2005 Merchant Company Standard Bearer. His cast with the striking yellow banner was flawless.
Surveyor Jim Harold allowed himself a huge sigh of relief after casting the Merchant Company's flag impeccably.
The finale was left to the Ex Soldiers. Alex Williams was again perfect with his cast to Up Wi the Souters before he led his town in two minutes of silence. The 43-year-old former member of the Territorial Army stood to attention before lowering the Union flag. The distant neigh of a horse briefly broke the silence as a town bowed its head.
The emotive strains of The Liltin slowly lifted the hush that filled the historic Market Place.
As Standard Bearer Williams dismounted the plinth, he admitted it was the best moment of his life. He said: "I have never felt as high as I do right now - it was absolutely awesome to stand up there. My biggest fear was getting the part wrong before the two minutes' silence, but it all went well.
"I have had so much support - my partner, Philippa, my Lady Busser, Lynne, and both Neil Davidson and Bill Scott have been tremendous. It has all been such an honour."
As Provost Les Millar collected the Royal and Ancient Burgh Flag from Standard Bearer Craig, unsullied and untarnished, Souters could rest assured that their town and customs live on for another year. Provost Millar told us: "The Standard Bearer has been absolutely brilliant - he couldn't have been better. He carried out his duties admirably."
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 27 Jun 11
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
-
mclalst
Unregistered User
Jun 28, 07:15
Report commentwhere can i buy the photos the one of the girl crossing the water
Recommend?
Yes 1
No 0
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
