Inspirational words indeed from revered poet, song-writer and historian Ian Landles, whose Toast to the Common-Riding raised the roof at last Friday morning's Hut.

Rubber-stamping his credentials as a prodigiously talented speaker, Ian's mix of pawky humour, historical anecdotes and thought-provoking sentiments went down a storm with the 500-or-so who had crammed into the hallowed venue.

Casting doubt on the relevance to Hawick of the Scottish Government's Homecoming initiative, Ian, who was addressing the Hut for the fifth time, asserted: "Hawick disnae need a contrived Year of the Homecoming. For every year, the grey auld toon sends oot its beacon accross the wide oceans, and exiled Teries feel their blood leap. They come back, they always hev and always wull."

A hush descended on the Hut when Ian asked Common-Riding supporters to "spare a thought for a fine young man, Richard Wilkinson, who shoold have been wi' us the day, but it wasnae to be. 'Wilko', instead, is ridin' ower greener hills with Ex-Cornets Donald Lunn and Norman Dickey and Ex-Acting Father (Ian] 'Airmy' (Armstrong]. We remember them." A touching tribute to those who had passed away over the last year, and one which rightly garnered sustained applause.

Concluding by highlighting the "special feelings" that the Common-Riding evoked, Ian spoke passionately about the celebrations as a time when "the community unites to express its deepseated emotions, its cherished roots, its very identity. It is a rededication, a bindin' together for another year. Let us feel incredibly humble and enternally grateful that oo are a' pairt o' this marvellous Common-Riding."

As well as a fine speaker, Ian has been the accompanist at 55 Huts, and his speech had hit all the right notes during this most magical of mornings in Hawick's calendar.

With the heavens opening early last Friday, supporters refused to let the wet weather dampen their enthusiasm, and although boisterous throughout, the lads were well marshalled by Hut chairman, Ex-Cornet John Hope, whose experience ensured yet another memorable occasion would pass by without a hitch.

Giving the Toast to the Cornet, Ex-Cornet Bruce Wilson, who carried the Banner Blue in 1969, heaped praise on this year's man of the moment, Jamie Richardson. "I've watched this smart young man, who is our Cornet this year, develop from election night until this moment when we see him proudly clutching our ancient banner.

"Jamie has had a great number of supporters, and I'm sure most of this is to do with the popular choice that he has been for 2009. He was the Ex-Cornet's choice and he certainly turned out to be the people's choice."

Bruce, whose father George was Cornet in 1932, then turned to Cornet Richardson and said: "Jamie, you have done a sterling job . . . you are now in the main event, and a real piece of advice I'd offer you is to ride well, savour the moment and enjoy yourself."

And with a broad smile beaming across his face, there was no doubt that Cornet Richardson was certainly enjoying every moment. And in his reply Jamie, who was given a standing ovation, said: "This is a place where dreams really do come true. And I am currently starring in my own dream – the biggest picter of a'."

As well as thanking everyone who had helped him throughout his big year, Jamie also made a special mention of his Lass Laura Peden, complimenting her on the manner in which she had Bussed the Flag at the Colour-Bussing. "You did a great job and I'm sure townsfolk are proud of the way you carried out the ancient tradition," he said.

After thanking Ex-Cornet Wilson for his kind words, Jamie added: "With all the support the Common-Riding receives, I can only see it going from strength to strength . . . And with the help of the various Common-Riding committees and stalwarts, the future's bright, the future's blue and gold."

As always, the singers hit the high notes between the speeches, and first to whip the crowd into a frenzy was official song-singer Michael Aitken. His was a hard act to follow, but the top-notch entertainment, for which the Hut has become renowned, continued apace with Alan Brydon, Ex-Cornet Ian Nichol, Ex-Acting Father Henry Douglas, Keith 'Chugger' Brown, Elliot Goldie and Ronnie Tait – all of whom received generous applause for their note-perfect contributions.

As well as his role as chairman, Ex-Cornet Hope, who was the Flag-bearer in 1963 and Acting Father in 1998, gave the Toast to the Guests. "It's encouraging to see so many visitors here from the local festivals and common-ridings, and those who have travelled from many parts of the world," he said. "I give you a warm welcome, enjoy your Common-Riding. Because this is the place to start it, but believe it, it gets better!"

In reply, Common-Riding chief guest Dr George Thorburn, who was in fine oratorial form after an excellent speech at the Colour-Bussing, said: "Hail shinin' morn is often heard at some ridings. But in Hawick it's always shinin'. It's shinin' in hearts and in spirits – mornin', noon and night.

"To be at this table with such a good Cornet, in such good company is thanks enough for anybody . . . We'll see you on the Wester Heather, whether you're a guest or Teri."

With the rum and milk flowing and the Common-Riding craic reaching fever pitch, Alan Gray was then called upon to Toast Acting Father Malcolm Grant. And the former rugby player tackled the job in superb style, praising Malcolm's "unbelieveable enthusiasm" as this year's senior magistrate.

Struggling to keep his emotions in check, Alan, who counts Malcolm as one of his closest friends, concluded by highlighting his sureness that come Saturday night the celebrations would have been "rightly guided".

In reply, an equally emotive speech by the Acting Father saw him proclaiming: "Gentlemen, it disnae get any better than this! . . . Yesterday was something special but today is entirely different."

Praising this year's Cornet, Malcolm continued: "You have more than fulfilled your potential and have taken your rightful place in the history of our toon."

Wearing his heart on his sleeve throughout, Malcolm then asked riders to "hing back" later on that morning when he took custody of the Banner Blue. The reason being he wanted a moment on his own to tell his late mum how proud he was to have been her son.

Clearly fighting back the tears, Malcolm had opened his heart in the Hut, and supporters responded accordingly with great warmth.

A great warm which has come to symbolise this great Hut of ours.

Photographs: Alistair Learmonth