|
Selkirk Scotland |
 Les Neilson, 1999 Ex Servicemen's Association Standard Bearer. Enlarge |
Les Neilson is Selkirk born and bred. He was the Ex Servicemen's Left Hand Man in 1997 and Right Hand Man in 1998. His late uncle Ronnie Muir was the Ex Servicemen's Standard Bearer in 1965.
Les was a Royal Burgh Attendant in 1980 and 1981. He was due to be Royal Burgh Standard Bearer in 1988, but was on tour with the British Army.
In 1983 Les joined the Royal Engineers and spent three years in Germany. He then spent another six years on tours of duty in Canada, Iceland, Europe and then completed his commission in Cambridge, England.
His father and uncle had both been in the British Army, in fact there has been at least one member of the family in the army since the first world war.
Les has been a member of Selkirk Cricket Club for 19 years, supporting many of their activities. His mother played hockey for Selkirk and one of his uncles, Jonnie Muir, was a Border Football Referee.
Les has played football for the Town's Arms and Fleece Hotel in the Border Pub League. His late Grandmother, Mrs Muir, was a prominent figure in The Fleece, working behind the bar for most of her working life.
His wife Carole is looking forward to being the Ex Servicemen's Lady Busser. She previously bussed the weavers flag in 1985 whilst working for A Haines Ltd. Les and Carole have two daughters, Kirsty (8) and Heather (4 1/2).
Les feels that it is a "great honour to represent the Ex Servicemen's Association by being their Standard Bearer".
Home - History - Common Riding - Business
1999-04-14 BorderNet