The local lawyer was courted for the job by ex-cornets in January. And last night, to the shrill of the fifes and drums, the town’s Halberdiers delivered the official letter of invitation to his home in Stirches Road.

There was no doubt what his answer would be and after being escorted to the Town Hall to formally confirm his acceptance, the celebrations were soon in full swing.

Twenty-five-year-old Ben can’t wait to slip into the coveted green jacket for the Thursday night Colour Bussin’ ahead of the great day.

And the build-up begins on Saturday with the first of the pre-common cavalcades to Bonchester.

The new Cornet is employed by local solicitors Bannerman and Burke as a paralegal, specialising in conveyancing.

He was educated at Wilton Primary and Hawick High schools before attending Napier University, where he graduated BA (Hons) Law.

Before taking up his present position four years ago, he worked with Edinburgh city-centre solicitors Morten Fraser.

Ben is a keen horseman and has followed every Cornet since Garry Scott in 1991.

His dad Harry has been a mounted follower for many years and mum Sheena is also an ardent Common Riding enthusiast.

The new Cornet told TheSouthern: “When I was approached in January, it really came out of the blue.

“It had been talked about but I never believed it would happen. It was a shock, but I had no hesitation in accepting.

“I am looking forward to every aspect of the Common Riding, but taking the flag round the Moor on the Friday will be something special. And I have never spoken in the Hut before – so that will certainly be an experience.”

The Cornet’s Lass is senior Hawick High school pupil and Ben’s girlfriend for the past year, Megan Gracie.

Lending support will be Acting Father and Mother Kevin and Shiela Crowford.