As reported in the 2024 Merchant’s View the chain of office originally donated to Selkirk Town Council was returned to the Merchant Company. The committee decided that the chain should replace the old Master’s chain and that it should be engraved with the names of Company Masters starting with Bill Ainslie, the oldest surviving Master. Bill recently turned 99 years of age; he is the longest serving member of the Company having joined in 1950. He was Standard Bearer in 1968 and Master in 1984 so it was deemed fitting that his name should take the place of honour on the new chain. Bill is pictured here with Master Falconer Grieve and 2025 Standard Bearer Rob Gray, he was delighted to have the opportunity to wear the new chain and to wish Rob all the best for his year in office.
Bill Ainslie March 2025
Rob, Bill and Falconer March 2025
Falconer and Bill March 2025
