LAUDER Cornet Jake Mirley says that he’s not ashamed to admit to shedding a few tears on Common Riding Day.

The 22-year-old described last Saturday’s spectacle as “the best day of my life so far”.

The wonderful week started with an excellent Kirkin O’ The Cornet Service, conducted by the Rev Lynn Brady; followed by the Darren Ainslie Memorial Cup football tournament.

Other events included the Apprentice Ride, Ex Cornet’s Dinner, the bowling tournament, Lauder Limpers’ trail run, family cycle ride, exiles’ annual reunion, children’s show and the ‘Nicht Afore the Morn’ concert.

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And of course the hugely popular fancy dress parade took place on Wednesday.

Cornet Jake and Cornet’s Lass Megan Wilson were supported by Right Hand Man Elliot Balson, alongside his Lass Connie White; and Left Hand Man Chris Purves, with his Lass Zoe Bruce.

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Unfortunately, Chris suffered a bad fall and was replaced at some ceremonies by Chris Rogerson.

Jake, who works on his grandfather’s Blackburn Farm between Lauder and Oxton, said: “It was an amazing week and nothing can compare.

“The weather wasn’t great but thankfully it kept dry on Common Riding Day.

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“From a very young age I have followed the common ridings and seen the Cornet up front representing the town.

“It’s aye been a dream of mine to be Cornet and that dream came true.

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“My grandfather, Ian Stevenson, has been involved on the common ridings for many years and I previously helped him to marshal. 

“My highlight was on Common Riding Day after breakfast at the Cornet’s March when the band played Scotland Yet and Jeanie’s Black E’e, and mixed with the cheering from the crowds it was something special.

“I have to admit, I couldn’t control myself and many a tear was shed.

“I’ve been riding horses for 18 years so I wasn’t worried about that, although I was a bit nervous about the speeches.

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“But I had a fantastic pit crew of my family and Right and Left Hand Men Elliot and Chris and their lasses Connie and Zoe.

“My Lass, Megan, was fantastic supporting me throughout the year on both foot and horseback.

“As Cornet you get to choose your lass and I couldn’t have chosen anyone better.

“Megan’s been a great friend for as long as I can remember.

“But there were many highlights including the fancy dress parade and visiting our Platinum Jubilee Cornet, Ex Cornet Dave Middlemiss, at the Borders General Hospital recently and he was in good form.