ALL it took was a glimpse of Granny at the Toll to bring home the enormity of Craig Monks’ Common Riding morning.

The Royal Burgh Standard Bearer was following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Drysdale, father, Keith, and brother, Rory.

Just when the 28-year-old didn’t think his time in the saddle with the Burgh Flag couldn’t get any more special, he spotted Granny Monks waiting for his Safe In return.

Isobel Monks has commanded the same spot at the Toll for decades.

Craig explained: “For as long as I can remember my Granny has been in the same spot at the Toll.

“As I was coming in with the Flag, I saw my Granny and that brought everything home to me – my grandfather, my dad and my brother having all come in at the toll with the burgh Flag before me.

“The whole day has been amazing – beyond anything I could ever have hoped for – but seeing my Gran waiting for me was something else.”

Weather warnings and heavy rain in the day or two leading up to Selkirk Common Riding had caused a bit of concern for many officials.

But come Friday morning the rain-clouds had parted and the sun began to tip those welcoming hills with gold.

Selkirk’s fabulous three bands – Flute, Silver and Pipe – set the tone for Souters frae a’ the airts.

Before the celebrations could begin, the solemn reminder of sacrifice was respected at the War Memorial ahead of the Exiles and locals mustered outside the County Hotel.

And as the numbers swelled even further, high above the growing gathering Craig Monks was Installed as Royal Burgh Standard Bearer on the balcony of the Victoria Halls.

Having been brought up in a household proudly ‘obsessed’ with the Common Riding, Craig had been waiting for this moment since childhood.

And with a confident smile he relished his time in the saddle, at the head of a 237-strong cavalcade.

Through the streaming Ettrick, up the Linglie to Tibbie’s and onto the Three Brethren, the sun shone and the mounted cavalcade was Safe Oot.

From over Peat Law and down the Nettlie, thousands back in Selkirk watched Standard Bearer Monks’ progress, ably assisted all the way by Attendants, Adam Nichol, Liam Cassidy, Conall Fairbairn and Andrew McColm.

It was a Riding of the Marches that will live with Standard Bearer Craig Monks until the day he departs this earth.

He later told us: “It had been non-stop in the weeks leading up to the Common Riding, so finally getting the Flag was brilliant.

"The weather was great and I really don’t think the day could have gone any better.

“I’ve loved every second of being Standard Bearer and it was over before I knew it.”