THE Memorial Hall in Innerleithen was filled with excitement on Friday (May 5) as the town waited for the announcement of this year’s Standard Bearer and his Lass.

Before the big reveal, the chair of St Ronan’s Border Games, Dawn Patterson, welcomed the audience to the hall.

Former Dux Girls Robyn Keddie and Abbie Glendinning were both named as Lady Bussers for 2023 and 1997 Standard Bearer Christopher Wilson will be the Principal Guest.

The time then came for the chair to reveal the Standard Bearer Elect for 2023. Mrs Patterson invited Ryan Simpson to join her on stage as the crowd erupted into applause for the Standard Bearer.

Ryan, 27, who is a lawn technician for Luxury Lawns, and his Lass and wife Rachael, 21, who is a sales executive for Perident Ltd., said: “We are so glad the secret is out and we can celebrate with friends and family."

They added: "We are most excited for meeting new people and experiencing all the other towns festival weeks, and most importantly making lots of memories along the way."

After the announcements for 2023's principals, everyone made their way outside to watch Ryan and Rachael join Standard Bearer 2022 Jonathan Lea and Lass Katie Archibald, Right Hand Man Ronan Caine and his Lass Caitlin Urquhart, and Left Hand Man Jamie Boyd and his Lass Rosie Graham to dance the Standard Bearer's Reel.

A spokesperson for St Ronan's Border Games committee said: "St Ronan's Border Games Committee thank everyone who attended the Introduction Evening on Friday.

"We would like to congratulate all of our 2023 Principals and are really looking forward to running an enjoyable and successful Games Week for them, visiting Principals and those in Innerleithen and beyond.

"We're excited to be selling our Standard Bearer's Ball tickets online for the first time to make it easier for anyone to get involved in one of our most popular events.

"For full details about Games Week 2023 or to book tickets visit www.stronansgames.org.uk."

St Ronan’s Border Games Week will be from July 8-15.

The Standard Bearer's Ball will be held on Saturday, July 8 in the marquee at St Ronan's Primary School.

The event will run from 7pm until 1am.

The ball, which is a black tie/formal event, will include music by Wireless and tickets for tables of up to 12 can be booked through the St Ronan's Border Games website.