1997 Kelso Laddie - David Stewart

When David was asked what was his highlights of his year as Kelso Laddie, he found it difficult to condense it, but here's what he has to say.
"My highlights of that year are so difficult to pick out because the whole summer just passed in a blur as there was so much going on.
The declaration night was a great night and also a relief, from being supremely nervous all day to finally being announced in The Square and the subsequent relief of being able to discuss being chosen as Kelso Laddie with everyone without trying to keep it a secret."
David continued - "Civic Week itself was an unbelievably busy week with the highlights being, coming back into the town from the Stichill, Hume and Ednam ride with the pipe band playing and the streets busy with people getting ready for the Rider's Social which was a huge night and then later on getting carried into the Rider's Social to an awesome atmosphere. 
The colour bussing on the Wednesday night was amazing and although very nervous, it was a privilege to be trusted with the Burgh Standard and to carry out the Bussing Ceremony in the beautiful surroundings of Kelso Square.
The rest of the week is a complete blur as it just passes you by so quickly but the Yetholm Ride was a great day, the sun came out that day for about the first time that week and the whole day just had a great atmosphere from the Square in the morning, to being at Yetholm, to returning home and then the parade at night, it was just a thoroughly enjoyable day. Then it was all over and you suddenly wondered where the week had gone."