MUSSELBURGH’S magnificent seven took to the stage on Monday evening as the town's historic 2016 Riding of the Marches – a celebration held every 21 years – got off to a flying start.

Venue 2 at The Brunton was packed with well-wishers who had gathered to support the ancient event’s seven principals, including the first ever woman, Fiona Grant-MacDonald. They were formally announced by chairman Alistair Knowles, the 1995 Town Champion.

He said the town was “on the threshold of a momentous and historic year”.

The room shone with civic pride as they were welcomed in turn to hearty applause and cheers as they prepare for the 300-year-old ceremony in July.

All have shown unstinting service to the community and fundraising dedication over many years.

Town Champion Neil Wilson was said to have been struck by a sod of Musselburgh turf as a small boy in his pram during the 1974 Riding of the Marches!

Mr Knowles said that Mr Wilson seemed at that early age to be destined to become “steeped in the historic Musselburgh traditions”.

Mr Wilson, a former Honest Lad, said: “I stand surprised, a little stunned, elated and honoured to be selected as Town Champion.

“Musselburgh is in my blood and community at the heart of me. I will do my best to make all of you proud.

“Musselburgh is a fantastic town with amazing traditions and throughout the ages has played a prominent part in Scottish history.”

His duty will be to ride at the head of a cavalcade in full armour, charged with the protection of the Turf Cutter and to deal with any challenge to their right to cut the turf.

Iain Clark, the Turf Cutter, dressed in period costume, will ride out with a ceremonial spade, dismounting at each of 12 boundary markers.

He cuts a sod from a turf box and, heaving it over his head, cries out “It’s a’ oor ain” in a symbolic gesture of re-establishing the ancient border of the town.

He reports to the Honorary Provost, Councillor John Caldwell, that the marches have been ridden according to ancient custom.

Mr Clark, a former policeman, said: “Being appointed Turf Cutter is a huge honour and a privilege.

“I am most looking forward to receiving the ceremonial spade and undertaking the duties of this ancient tradition, as well as the other many events which will bring our community together and give us all a sense of pride and belonging.”

Ms Grant-MacDonald, Assistant Turf Cutter, started to work tirelessly for several brain injury charities after suffering a brain haemorrhage in 2012.

She said: “I feel extremely privileged and excited by the accolade of becoming the first ever female principal in the history of the Riding of the Marches.”

Two Squires, David Finlayson and Graham Bennett, ride in close support of the champion and assist as required.

Mr Finlayson said: “I am proud to have been nominated by The Inner Wheel Club of Musselburgh and am honoured to be chosen as a principal in such a historic event as the Riding of the Marches.”

Mr Bennett added: “I will give my full support to ensure the success of the 2016 Riding of the Marches.”

Two Halberdiers, Allan Williams and Scott Robertson, who were jointly Musselburgh’s Citizen of the Year in 2004, will stand shoulder to shoulder again during the Riding of the Marches, July 23-31.

They will walk within the column in close support of the Honorary Provost as his personal bodyguards.

Mr Williamson said: “As our town song states ‘Musselburgh will always be a burgh!’ but, more personally, no matter what the future may bring in my heart, I will always be proud to be a burgess.”

Mr Robertson added: “I am really proud and humbled to be part of the Riding of the Marches 2016.”

The tradition of riding out around Musselburgh's boundaries is believed to date back several hundred years, possibly as early as the fifth century.

The last Riding of the Marches was in 1995.