Organisers have praised the way townsfolk came out in their droves to support the two-day festival – which from a busy High Street along which the opening procession took place, to the specatacular firework display and Sunday's literary high tea – has been hailed a great success.

Festival chairman Cath Elliott-Walker told the Hawick News: "The weekend got off to a great start with Scocha in superb form on Friday night.

"Then we were so lucky with the weather, and delighted with the buzz in the town on Saturday.

"We have had nothing but positive comments about the fireworks which were tremendous this year, and even the quilting ladies had an amazing day with over 300 people visiting their exhibition."

The west end of the town was bustling on Saturday as Hawick's reiving history was brought to life at the encampment and market in Lovel Court, and as night fell the popular torchlit procession and fireworks were drew huge crowds – with the fireworks receiving the first ever round of applause when the 15-minute display ended.

Festival committee member John Hope comented: "It was great to have hundreds of kids and their parents being led off by the Scout Fellowship Pipe Band and it was a great spectacle as everyone made their way through 'The Avenue'. The Volunteer Park was packed for the firework display which was simply awesome."

On Sunday around 45 townsfolk were up early to stride out into the hills around Goldielands and Whitchesters on the guided walk, which was also blessed with dry weather. Afterwards, the lunch and concert in St Mary's and Old Parish Church Hall, ably chaired by Davie Chapman and featuring some of Hawick's finest young entertainers, was enjoyed by around 120 people. While up the park the reivers encampment proved a fun day our for all.

However, the festival ended on a huge high, at the literary talk in Mansfield clubrooms by Ian Landles and Alan Brydon.

Mrs Eliott-Walker added: "To have 110 people sit down to high tea is a great achievement, and the talk was just superb. Ian and Alan receieved a standing ovation which was tremendous."