The Crown, Sceptre and ceremonial Cushion are among the most treasured symbols of the Peebles Beltane Festival. Used during the crowning of the Beltane Queen on the Parish Church steps, they represent the dignity, honour and continuity of a tradition that has been celebrated in the town for more than a century.

The Crown is placed upon the Queen’s head by the Crowning Lady, while the Sceptre signifies her ceremonial role throughout the festival.

Carefully carried and displayed on its decorative cushion, this historic regalia forms a focal point of the crowning ceremony and remains a powerful reminder of the pride, heritage and community spirit that lie at the heart of Beltane.

The previous Beltane Crown was presented in 1921 by Mr Arthur P. Daniels, who had served as Crown Bearer at the very first Crowning Ceremony. At the time, Mr Daniels was living in the Far East and kindly arranged for the Crown to be gifted while visiting Peebles during a return holiday.

It had originally been intended that the Crown would be presented alongside a Sceptre and Cushion, although these did not arrive in time.

The Sceptre and Cushion would later make their first appearance for the crowning of Beltane Queen Mary Thomson, completing the ceremonial regalia associated with the Crowning.

The head of the Sceptre seen today was designed by Mr A. C. Mackay and takes the form of a model of the Peebles Parish Church steeple, a distinctive and much-loved feature of the town skyline. In 1989, the March Riding and Beltane Queen Festival Committee arranged for the Sceptre to be re-gilded, ensuring its continued place in the traditions of Beltane.

The original Cushion was later replaced in 1988 by the Peebles Ex-Cornets' Association, whose generosity helped preserve this important part of the Festival's ceremonial heritage.

The Beltane Committee decided it was time for a new crown fit for the Queen, so they commissioned local jeweller Joanna Thomson to come up with a suitable design.

Joanna, who has called Peebles her home for 40 years, was really delighted to be asked to do this and in January she produced three different options that could be mixed and matched.

The Committee chose the circlet depicting a flowing design echoing the waters of the Tweed, but including a detail from the flag held by the Standard Bearer at the crowning ceremony.

The circlet is in seven sections set with rubies (synthetic, not real!) and cubic zirconia in the red and white town colours. The middle three sections are topped with three arches that have the iconic three salmon swimming, one up the Tweed and two returning. The crown has been made from recycled silver and has been hallmarked by the Edinburgh Assay Office.

The red velvet for the cap has been kindly donated by Holland and Sherry and will be made into a sumptuous new cap by members of the Beltane Committee. The image shows a temporary cap for the photoshoot.

1976 Beltane Queen, Joanna Goodburn, was looking for a way to celebrate 50 years since being Queen and when she heard about the commission, she inmediately offered to sponsor the making of the new crown.

Joanna has fond memories of being the Beltane Queen and is really looking forward to this anniversary opportunity to meet up with other former members of the 1976 Court. She is excited to be able to give something back to the town and to this festival that means so much to her and her family. Her late father Bill Goodburn was Warden of Neidpath and his 'Crying of the Fair' will ring through the crown for many years to come.