The Bari Gadgi is Steven Meins, whose family hails from Town Yetholm, while Bari Manushi Jennifer Stewart has her home in Kirk Yetholm.

Twenty-two-year-old Steven was raised in the village, but like so many youngsters from the area has moved away to find employment. He’s moved to Livingston where he works with an engineering firm and is looking forward to his native festivities, and also representing Yetholm across the Borders.

For Jennifer, 22, it is a case of keeping it in the family – her sister Heather, 25, was Bari Manushi in 2002. Jennifer trained as a hairdresser in Edinburgh, but returned to work at Kelso Health Centre. Mum Susan is the festival’s secretary.

The happy duo were installed outside the Plough Inn on Friday night before a large turnout of villagers and visiting principals.

Festival chairman Stuart Smith read the proclamation setting the standards expected from this year’s principals.

Retiring Gadgi Craig Blackburn and Manushi Jennifer Brown were relieved of their sashes by primary school pupils Ben Edwards and Molly Ingledew before Master of Ceremonies Tom Tokely announced the names of this year’s incumbents.

Steven and Jennifer were sashed by the outgoing principals and were presented with good luck cards from the local Brownies and Rainbows.

And there were 25-year-old anniversary medals for the 1983 principals Gary Younger and Alison Fleming (Park).

During a reception in the Wauchope Hall, a new feature was introduced – presentations to Festival Queens of 50 years ago.

Recipients were Ruby Scott, 1958; Wilma Paterson (Coulthard), 1957 and Margaret Knotman (Cessford), 1956.

During the festival, visits are paid to local historic sites and Steven and Jennifer will lead a 200-strong cavalcade to the mystical Stob Stanes, where each rider makes a wish.