Sunday 15th - Saturday 21st June 2025

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.

Our Cornet for 2025 is Jamie Hamilton

Son to Catherine and Steven, Jamie grew up in Kingsmuir Crescent, Peebles with his three brothers Craig, David and Ross, and attended Priorsford and Peebles High School.

On leaving school Jamie attended Agricultural College at St. Boswells and currently works for Graham Irvine Plant Hire.

Jamie’s Beltane involvement started in P3 when he was a Penguin but dressing up wasn’t for him and he rode on the Saturday morning from P4 onwards.

He first rode the Wednesday night rideout in 2003 behind Cornet Allan Mackenzie and has ridden them all apart from one where he was a spare rider.

He has been a marshal on the Wed night for about six or seven years. He has assisted with putting up the flags at the start of Beltane, driving floats on Friday night and helped with the tribute to Mitchell Johnston last year.

Jamie is Vice Chairman of Peebles March Riders Assoc and a member of Peebles Callants. His hobbies include riding his horses and doing sheep dog trials.

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.

Our Cornet's Lass for 2025 is Caitlin Hamilton

Caitlin was born in Harrogate and lived in Fife before moving to Peebles at five years old, attending Priorsford and Peebles High School.

On leaving school Caitlin undertook work experience with the Graham Irvine Plant company where she met Jamie.

She has also worked at the Peel Café and Peebles Hydro and is currently Manager at the Tontine Hotel.

Caitlin’s Beltane involvement included an Indian Girl, Sailor and Lady of the Court.

She has ridden in the Beltane since 2014 but due to injuries didn’t ride in 2019 and 2024 but last year saw her as a groom on the Beltane Queen’s Carriage.

Caitlin is Secretary of Peebles March Riders Association.

Her hobbies include looking after and riding her horses which are called Barney, Barney and Ross (yes, two are named the same!) and she enjoys taking part in Dog Agility.

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.

Our Crowning Lady for 2025 is Mrs Julie Hopkirk

Julie was born in Stirling but moved to Peebles at 5 months old with her parents Gordon and Nancy. She attended Halyrude, Kingsland and then moved to Priorsford in P3 then attended Peebles High School. On leaving school Julie worked as an Auxiliary Nurse at Hay Lodge Health Centre before commencing her Nursing Training at Peel Hospital and then the City Hospital in Edinburgh. She then returned to Hay Lodge and worked for a while at Earlston. In 2006 she joined the GP Practice as Practice Nurse until her retirement last year.

She is married to Norman and has a son Chris and a daughter Emma and has three grandchildren Luca, Colby and Leo who keep her busy. Julie’s Beltane involvement includes Little Bo-Peep a Sailor Girl and a Maid to Beltane Queen Heather Coltman in 1978. She has entered the Fancy Dress for many years with friends and family but has for a number of years entered with Calum Forsyth.

Her hobbies include hillwalking, cruising, cooking, gardening and she has volunteered with 3rd Peebles Guides for 22 years.

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.

Our Warden of Neidpath for 2025 is Mrs Christina Elder

Christina was born in Edinburgh and grew up on the family farm at Broughton. She was educated at Broughton Primary School and Peebles High School. On leaving school Christina commenced her Nursing Training in Edinburgh and Qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 1972 and then trained as a Midwife in Lanark qualifying in 1973. Christina married Norman in 1973 and moved to Baddinsgill Farm, moving to Peebles in 1975.

Christina worked at the War Memorial Hospital as a Staff Nurse and later Sister, she took a career break to have her sons David and Scott and returned as a Staff Nurse covering an evening service in Galashiels and surrounding area. Christina worked at Hay Lodge Hospital as a Staff Nurse, Sister and finally as Nurse Manager. On leaving Hay Lodge she worked with the Discharge Team at Borders General Hospital and finished her nursing career as a Treatment Room Nurse at Galashiels Health Centre retiring in 2012.

Christina’s was a member of the Beltane Committee retiring in 2012 and has served in various Convenor rolls being Vice Chairman before becoming Chairman 20 years ago. She helps with the Children’s Costumes at Kingsland and trains the Beltane Court where she can be found at the bottom of the church steps on Saturday morning giving the commands to the Silver Band.

Christina has served on the Kingsland PTA and was a member of the Community Council. She has previously volunteered for Tweeddale Rideability Group and Bonnie Peebles and last year became a volunteer at the Foodbank.

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.

Our Warden of Cross Kirk for 2025 is Rev Aftab Gohar

Aftab was first ordained as a Minister back in 1995 in his home country of Pakistan, however in 2008 had to flee with his wife Samina and their two sons because of extremism.

He moved to Peebles in December 2021 after 13 years in Grangemouth.

Aftab’s hobbies include relaxing in front of the TV, reading and travelling. Aftab has two sons who are now both married and has a 18 month old granddaughter.

Aftab was Warden in 2022 and having just arrived in Peebles in December 2021 had never seen the Beltane and wasn’t really sure what to expect but having seen a few feels he is better prepared for this year.

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 Coutier, Chief Maid, Second Coutier, 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.