Rory Murray announced as Innerleithen Standard Bearer

Dawn Patterson, the Chair of St Ronan’s Border Games, introduced the 23-year-old as Standard Bearer-Elect to the townsfolk on Friday in a full to capacity Memorial Hall.

Born in 2000 at Borders General Hospital, Rory and has lived in Innerleithen all of his life and stays at home with his mum, dad and younger sister.

He attended St Ronan’s Primary school and was a Monk in 2008 and 2012 before moving on to Peebles High School.

He now works in the additional support needs department at Peebles High School.

In his spare time, Rory coaches Leithen Rovers, plays with St Ronan’s Bowling Club, and also enjoys a round of golf and socialising with friends.

He is a keen supporter of the Games and a former member of St Ronan’s Silver Band.

Rory’s Lass is Emily Anderson.

Born at Borders General Hospital, she has grown up in Innerleithen with her mum, dad and younger brother.

She attended St Ronan’s Primary School and was a Sash Girl in 2010.

She then went on to Peebles High School, going on to study Childhood Practice at Borders College; graduating in 2019.

She works as an Early Years Practitioner at Clovenfords Primary School Nursery.

In her spare time, the 24-year-old volunteers as a leader with 2nd Peebles Rainbows and 3rd Peebles Guides.

Emily’s family has a long association with the Games – her grandparents were Standard Bearer and Lass in 1952, and her dad was Standard Bearer in 1987.

In accepting his appointment, Rory 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, Emily, and myself, I thank you, Madam Chairman, for your kind remarks and you ladies and gentlemen for the reception accorded to me this evening.”

Rory and Emily are greatly looking forward to Games Week and to representing the town around the Borders.

The pair were supported on Friday night by Standard Bearer Ryan Simpson, his Lass Rachael Simpson, Right Hand Man Jonathan Lea, his Lass Katie Archibald and Left Hand Man Ronan Caine and his Lass Caitlin Urquhart.

Other principals introduced on Friday were the Principal Guest and the Lady Busser.

The 2024 Principal Guest is Denis Robson.

Denis was born in Musselburgh in 1950, and then moved to Edinburgh where he attended school at Leith Academy.

Following his graduation in Business Management at the Scottish College of Textiles, he took up employment with Johnson & Johnson where he enjoyed a long and distinguished career.

His final role was director for African affairs where he participated in many programmes related to the training of healthcare workers and individuals serving the most disadvantaged members of society in Africa.

After 40 years’ service he retired to pursue voluntary opportunities in the community and to undertake consultancy roles to international NGOs, addressing issues of women’s health and access to surgery in Africa.

He is passionate about the community link with the village of Thondwe in Malawi which was established by Innerleithen, Traquair and Walkerburn Church more than 15 years ago.

Denis is an active Rotarian and a past president of Innerleithen, Walkerburn and Traquair Rotary club.

He is married to Marjorie and the couple have two adult children and four grandchildren.

Denis and Marjorie made Innerleithen their home 33 years ago and he enjoys spending time in the outdoors, walking the hills, cycling, and being in and on the water.

Anna Leckie, who was Dux Girl in 2017, will buss the crozier and staves at this year’s festival of the Cleikum.

Anna, born in the Borders General Hospital, spent most of her childhood in Innerleithen with her parents and older sister.

She attended St Ronan’s Primary School and Peebles High School. She is currently finishing her first year at Edinburgh University where she studies Veterinary Medicine.

Anna’s hobbies include climbing, powerlifting, horse riding, running and climbing.

Following the Introduction Ceremony, Innerleithen Pipe Band accompanied while the official party dance a very energetic Standard Bearers’ Reel.

A reception was then held when visiting principals and other invited guests were entertained.