Published: Friday, 30th June, 2006 12:32
Dream start to Russell's reign
By Hannah Jefferson
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UMBRELLAS and rain coats added to the colour of Peebles High Street along with Beltane bunting on Wednesday evening.
Despite the wind and rain crowds of Gutterbluids and Stoorie foots came ower the hills tae Peebles and lined the pavements for this year’s installation ceremony.
And a damp evening couldn’t stop Cornet, Russell Copeland’s dream of carrying the Royal Burgh Flag from coming true.
After receiving his sash and standard by the Parish Church Steps he said to the mass of on-lookers: “In April I was announced as the Cornet Elect in the Burgh Hall and from that night on I have been in a magical dream.
“People of Peebles welcome to my dream.”
He urged everyone to make it a night to remember by staying out to watch the Ceremony at Neidpath and the fording of the Tweed.
And after setting off at the front of over 200 horses and finally dancing the Cornets reel with lass, Pauline and other principles his hopes were certainly not disappointed.
He said later: “It has been a fabulous evening.
“The sun was shining it was just behind the clouds.
“I would like to thank everyone for coming out and making it such a fantastic time.
“Its been all that I imagined and more.”
And the night was one that Warden of Neidpath Kenny Howitt will also never forget.
He was installed as warden of the castle 30 years after his own father received the same honour.
And the crowds soon forgot the rain and wind as the Peebles registrar launched into a witty and poetic speech.
Cornet Russell stopped to congratulate Kenny before continuing the riding of the marches with an even wetter than ever fording of the Tweed.
The only casualty was Pauline’s hat, which blew off on a windy Morning Hill.
And the High Street was again full of cheers as Russell and his lass arrived to dance the reel and present the Beltane Bell after the ride-out.
Beltane Secretary Davie Turnbull told the Peeblesshire News: “Despite the atrocious weather we are surprised how everything has gone so well and kept to plan.
“The crowds came out in droves.
“We would like to thank the people of Peebles for turning out.”
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Proof is in the pudding