The 30-year-old will lead the Muckle Toon’s celebrations after topping the poll in Friday’s public election which saw 1,139 townsfolk turn out to cast their votes at the Buccleuch Centre.

This was Simon’s fourth ballot box bid and he came in 147 votes ahead of his nearest rival, Derek Hogg, who standing for the first time. Also in contention were Graeme Murray for the third time and Keith Davidson making his second attempt.

Langholm’s pipe and town bands perambulated the town before arriving at the centre for the all-important announcement. The result was: Simon Richardson 449; Derek Hogg 302; Keith Davidson 232 and Graeme Murray 156.

When the result of the vote was announced, the Right and Left-hand Men, Andrew Johnstone and Kevan Grieve, hurried along to Simon’s home in Academy Place to break the news to the victorious forester. Also there were his father and mother, Les and Kate, and sister Jennifer.

Simon’s girlfriend Jill Oxley was also present along with Jen’s partner, ex-Cornet David McVittie, and their little girl Baillie Megan McVittie.

And neighbours, relatives and friends soon gathered to offer their congratulations before the 2008 Cornet was off with his Right and Left-hand Men to receive warm welcomes at the town’s hotels and clubs.

Simon told TheSouthern: “This is a great honour and I am looking forward to meeting the many other principals and representing my town.

“The build-up will be tremendous and I have to wait longer than most because the Common Riding isn’t until the last Friday in July.

“There will be many highlights and one of the greatest will be taking the flag up the Kirk Wynd and onto the hill.”

Simon was educated at the town’s primary school and the Academy. Work took him first into farming and then into forestry.

He founded his own business, S. Richardson Contracting, and employs three full-time and a number of part-time workers.

In 2004, his then fledgling business won the Shell Livewire business award for Dumfries and Galloway.

The new Cornet played rugby for Langholm Colts and Langholm A, starting on the wing and finishing as a prop. He is now a rugby spectator and enjoys shooting.

Simon first followed the Cornet on horseback in 1985 and joined the Castle Craigs club the same year.