The Beltane Principals
The beating heart of Peebles Beltane Festival. They bring ancient symbolism to life in a thoroughly modern, community-centred way. Their roles blend ceremonial grandeur with local pride, involving the entire town in celebration, remembrance, and joy.
The Principals are the beating heart of Peebles Beltane Festival. They bring ancient symbolism to life in a thoroughly modern, community-centred way. Their roles blend ceremonial grandeur with local pride, involving the entire town in celebration, remembrance, and joy.
The Cornet
The role of the Cornet in Peebles Beltane Festival stands as a central and cherished tradition, embodying the town's rich heritage and community spirit. Established in 1897, the ancient practice of the "Riding the Marches", a ceremonial journey around the town's boundaries to reaffirm communal rights and unity, was revived to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, and the role of Cornet was created to lead the ride. In contemporary times, the Cornet is a young man, more often than not local, selected annually to lead the festival's equestrian events and represent Peebles throughout the festivities. The selection process is overseen by the Beltane Festival Committee, which invites nominations from the community. Once chosen, the Cornet is officially installed during a ceremony at the Parish Church steps on Beltane Wednesday. During this event, the Cornet's Lass pins the Cornet's ribbon to the Burgh Standard in a tradition known as "Bussing the Colours," symbolising the Cornet's commitment to uphold the festival's values. Responsibilities The Cornet's duties are both ceremonial and participatory; he leads the Riding of the Marches, a prominent rideout that includes a procession to Neidpath Castle, where the Warden of Neidpath delivers an address. The ride continues over Morning Hill and includes the dramatic fording of the River Tweed at Hay Lodge Park, culminating in horse races on Peebles Golf Course. Throughout Beltane Week, the Cornet also participates in various events, including the Fancy Dress Parade and the Grand Procession on Beltane Saturday, where he leads a vibrant display of community and cultural pride. Beyond the public ceremonies, the Cornet serves as a symbol of Peebles' enduring traditions and the collective spirit of its residents. The role demands dedication, as the Cornet represents the town not only during the festival but also in engagements with neighboring communities, fostering goodwill and cultural exchange. In essence, the Cornet is more than a ceremonial figure; he is a living embodiment of Peebles' history, values, and communal pride, ensuring that the spirit of the Beltane Festival continues to thrive for future generations.
Jamie Macklay
He attended Priorsford Primary and Peebles High School. Jamie is definitely not work shy as he left school on the Friday and stared work in Holland & Sherry on the Monday where he spent a number of years in different departments. He now works for Tweeddale Roofing.
Jamie’s Beltane involvement included an Indian, Toy Soldier and an Archer. And last year, rode the Riding of the Marches for the first time.
Jamie played rugby at school but moved to football playing for 9 years with Peebles Rovers before moving doon the road to our neighbour and playing with the Vale of Leithen.
On being asked what it felt like to be selected Jamie said it was surreal and exciting.
The Cornet's Lass
The Cornet’s Lass holds a cherished and integral role within the Peebles Beltane Festival, serving as a symbol of community pride and tradition. Established 27 years after the Cornet, in 1924, the role of Cornet’s Lass was introduced to complement the Cornet during the festival. In contemporary times, the Cornet’s Lass is typically a young woman from the local community, chosen by the Cornet to support him throughout the festival's events. Duties Her duties include the Installation Ceremony on Beltane Wednesday, where she performs the symbolic act of "Bussing the Colours" - pinning the Cornet's ribbon to the Burgh Standard, signifying the Cornet's commitment to uphold the festival's values. This ceremony marks the official start of the Cornet's tenure and sets the tone for the week's celebrations. Throughout Beltane Week, the Cornet’s Lass accompanies the Cornet in various events, including the Riding of the Marches, where they lead a mounted procession to Neidpath Castle, participate in the Novice Ride, and take part in the Grand Procession on Beltane Saturday. Her presence is not merely ceremonial; she actively engages with the community, representing the festival's spirit and fostering a sense of unity among participants and spectators alike. The role of the Cornet’s Lass also extends to social and charitable functions, where she supports local causes and embodies the festival's ethos of service and community involvement. Her involvement in these activities underscores the festival's commitment to civic pride and collective responsibility.
Rebecca Greenhow
She attended West Linton Primary and Peebles High School. On leaving school Rebecca did Event Management at College and on finishing college she decided on a different career and worked at the Village Nursery in West Linton before moving to the new Nursery Hub at Priorsford Primary School.
Her manager there was Standard Bearers Lass and the HT was Penicuik Hunters Lass so she will be in good company.
Rebecca enjoys baking, horse riding and shopping, she also has a small business doing nails.
Rebecca is a keen horse rider and has ridden the Marches on 4 occasions. She is no stranger to the stage having been the Flower Girl at the Whipman when she was four.
Crowning Lady
The Crowning Lady is the woman, usually a respected local figure, who performs the crowning of the Beltane Queen, one of the main highlights of the week-long festivities. This takes place on the Parish Church steps on Red Letter Day (Beltane Saturday morning) and draws a large gathering of locals and visitors. Role and Duties Crowning the Beltane Queen: The Beltane Queen is a young girl from one of the local primary schools, chosen to represent the town. The Crowning Lady ceremonially places the crown on the Queen's head, officially initiating her role. Leading in Dignity: The Crowning Lady is viewed as a dignified presence, someone chosen not only for her connection to Peebles but for embodying community spirit, contribution, or service. Participating in Events: Throughout Beltane Week, the Crowning Lady appears in parades, civic receptions, and other community functions.
Mrs Donna Hamilton
She attended Halyrude, Kingsland and Peebles High School. While still at school she worked in Davis the Chemist and on leaving school worked in the Bus Office on the High Street, before moving to Sanderson Travel in Edinburgh. She has also worked in Litsters Photography, Spar, Wemyss Place and Anne Gallagher Nursery. But most of you will know her from Peebles Swimming Pool where she has worked for the last 30 years teaching children to swim before retiring in February this year. She has coached a number of swimmers to national level including Lauren Greenshields.
Donna is married to Tommy and they have two children Amy and Gillian and 6 grandchildren, Blair, Finlay, Gracie, Eleanor, Charlotte and Nieve.
Donna has been involved with Brownies and likes walking having hiked the Pyrenees with Lynne Dalgleish.
In 1972 Donna and her friend Rhona Musgrave decided that they wanted to join the Silver Band. They went on the hunt for someone who could help them and were told “it’s the painter you want – George Thorburn.” They got in by one vote and were the first female members of the band. Donna is currently Chairperson and she also learns the young Buzzers.
Warden of Neidpath
The Warden of Neidpath is a distinguished honorary position within Peebles Beltane Festival, a historic celebration in the Scottish Borders that combines medieval traditions with vibrant community spirit. The Warden of Neidpath is ceremonially installed at Neidpath Castle during the festival's Beltane Wednesday events. This role involves delivering the Warden's Address, a speech that often reflects on themes of community, heritage, and the significance of the festival. The Warden welcomes the Cornet and his cavalcade to the castle, marking a key moment in the Riding of the Marches, where riders traverse the town's historical boundaries. Each year, the Beltane Festival Committee invites the public to nominate individuals for the role of Warden of Neidpath. Nominees are typically respected members of the community who have contributed significantly to local life. The selection is based on their dedication to Peebles and its traditions.
Mr Jim Currie
On leaving school at 16 Jim attended Oatridge Agricultural College gaining a Diploma. He worked up north for a year’s practical in beef and sheep. He then attended Kings Building in Edinburgh before returning to work on the family farm. On the death of his dad Robert he went into partnership with his mum Mary to run the farm.
Jim has been married to Fiona for 26 years and they run the farm at Haswellsykes. Although not ones for holidays in the past, they have recently got the cruising bug.
Jim was a Merryman in the Beltane, has participated in 2 rugby club shows and entered the fancy dress with Martin Raeburn.
Jim was a member of the Cubs and Scouts but his passion has always been Peebles Rugby Club having been a player, Captain and President and with which he is still heavily involved.
Jim is actively involved in the Agricultural Show where he has been President and a Committee member, Manor Sheep Dog Trials, and is on the Committee of local NFU. He has also previously served as Chieftain at Peebles Highland Games.
Warden of Cross Kirk
The Warden of Cross Kirk is a ceremonial role within Peebles Beltane Festival. The Cross Kirk is a historic site in Peebles, founded in 1261 and dedicated to St. Nicholas. Although now in ruins, it remains a symbolic location for the town. The Beltane Festival begins with an Inaugural Service held at the Cross Kirk, during which the Warden is installed. This tradition was initiated in 1930 by Dr. Clement Gunn, a respected local historian and physician. Role and Responsibilities Installation: The Warden is typically a local clergyperson who is installed at the start of Beltane Week during the Inaugural Service at the Cross Kirk. Leading the Service: The Warden conducts the ecumenical service, setting the tone for the week's festivities. Community Engagement: Beyond the service, the Warden often participates in various events throughout Beltane Week, reflecting the community's values and traditions.
Father Tony Lapin
Father Tony left school to pursue studies in Youth & Community Education. His professional career involved being a Project Worker with young single homeless people in Niddrie, Edinburgh then in Glasgow. He had a number of roles in Social Work and Child Care, including being Head of Care Services at a residential school in Bathgate.
Tony then trained in Counselling & Psychotherapy, and had a private practice in the West End of Glasgow for 17 years. The last 10 years of his career he was Director & Chief Executive Officer of a national child care organisation. During this time Tony attended University and completed an MBA.
In 2012 Father Tony began studies for the Priesthood in Rome, completed a Bachelor of Divinity Degree, and going on to study for a Masters in Theology. In 2015 he was ordained as Deacon in the Basilica of St. Paul’s outside the walls in Rome and in 2016 was ordained a Priest in St. Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Edinburgh.
Since arriving in Peebles Father Tony has set up the Wednesday lunch club, been Chair of Peeblesshire Foodbank for 6 years where he is still a trustee, is Chaplin to Halyrude Primary School, and provided Pastoral care at Castlecraig.
Father Tony enjoys listening to music, reading, and walking with his dog Bruno.
Proclaimer of Beltane Fair and The Old Burgh Boundaries
Michael Carlin
He joined Blackwood & Smith as a Trainee Solicitor in October 2022 and is now a Solicitor with the firm.
Michael resides in Peebles with his girlfriend Christianne.
His passion is tennis and he plays competitively in the League in Peebles and also in Glasgow. He is currently the defending club champion at Peebles in Singles & Doubles.
He is honoured to fulfil the role of Boundary Reader and is looking forward to Beltane Week.
The Court
Children's participation in Peebles Beltane Festival, particularly through The Court, is a cherished tradition that highlights the community's commitment to involving its younger members in this historic celebration. Each year, the Beltane Queen and her Court are selected from the three local primary schools: Kingsland, Priorsford, and Halyrude. The selection process is carried out by a subcommittee of the Festival, who choose students to fill various roles within the Court based upon their anonymised questionnaires. These roles include the Queen, First Courtier, Chief Maid, Second Courtier, Maids, Heralds, and other ceremonial positions such as the Sword Bearer and Standard Bearer. The announcement of the Court typically occurs in May, generating excitement among the pupils and the wider community. The pinnacle of the children's involvement is on Beltane Saturday, referred to as "Red Letter Day." The day's events begin with a procession of over 500 children in costume, representing various characters such as fairies, sailors, soldiers, and archers. The procession makes its way to the Parish Church steps, where the Crowning Ceremony takes place. During this ceremony, the Beltane Queen is crowned by the Crowning Lady, and the children perform their duties with enthusiasm and pride. Following the crowning, the children participate in the Grand Procession, riding on decorated lorries through the town, accompanied by pipe and silver bands. This vibrant display is a highlight of the festival, showcasing the children and the community's support for their involvement. In recent years, adjustments have been made to ensure the safety and comfort of the children during the festivities. For instance, due to the growing number of participants, some younger children now watch the Crowning Ceremony from chairs in front of the church steps rather than on the steps, allowing them to still be part of the event without overcrowding. The involvement of children in the Peebles Beltane Festival not only preserves the town's rich traditions but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among its youngest residents. Their participation ensures that the spirit of the festival continues to thrive for generations to come.
