It was a dignified end from a young man who carried out each and every one of his official duties with the same dignity, the same sense of purpose and the same enormous feeling of pride.

And while his tenure as Hawick's man of the moment may be over, after handing back the Flag "unsullied and unstained", judging by the crowds of Teries who greeted him outside the town hall on horseback and on foot, and who later sang along with him at the Moor, he has quite rightly etched his name in the history books of the town.

He told the Hawick News: "Saturday was slightly more sombre early on, maybe because of the tiredness, but also because of the remembrance to those lost in battle at the war memorial.

"But the feeling that you get riding round the Mair with the flag flying high is out of this world. Even on the Saturday, which is a little quieter, it is some buzz.

"Obviously handing the flag back is a tough experience, with the ceremony signifying the end of the best week of my life."

With emotions approaching breaking point as the Cornet displayed the Flag for one last time on the balcony, Acting Father Malcolm Grant raised a hand in salute of the hundreds who had followed the Big Four on their Common-Riding adventure.

He said: "After having a tremendous sing-song in the Acting Father's tent, as we were leaving there was this knowledge that it was to get back on the horses to return the Banner Blue.

"Everything became very solemn, and as we neared the town hall and passed the Drumlanrig Bar, there were no cheers.

"As we put the Flag out on the balcony it was extremely emotional and I know we were all really feeling it. We each kissed the Flag, and then as I turned I saw the mounted supporters, and I don't know why I did it but I just put my hand up to show them my gratitude."

Cornet's Lass Laura Peden added: "It was a really difficult experience at the Handing Back of the Flag, one of the hardest things and extremely emotional. But once we came back out we were dancing in the street and there was this huge sense of joy."

As the town hall clock chimed 4pm, it also sounded the end of Left-Hand Man Graham Robertson and his Lass Lesley-Anne Renwick's three-year term of office.

And Cornet Richardson admitted that was as difficult a time as any on Saturday.

Paying tribute to the advice and support he and his Lass Laura have received from them both, he added: "They have been such a big help throughout the whole five months and I will miss both their experience and good humour."

And Graham revealed that it had been a difficult day.

He added: "For the whole day I pretty much went to my car and then to the Acting Father's tent. I didn't really want to speak to people. That was the toughest bit for me, everyone coming up and asking how I was doing and reminding me that soon it would all be over."