HE will fulfil a lifelong dream this summer, when he leads the Beltane Festival.

And Colin Dodds, whose family are intertwined with the history and tradition of Peebles' special day, doesn't have to look far for guidance when it comes to handling the big occasion.
 

His father Alastair was Cornet in 1979 and has previously served as Chairman of the Beltane Committee.
 

The 23 year-old who currently works at works at the Haystoun Estate has been involved with the festival for as long as he can remember, serving as a Mouse, Penguin and a Naval Officer whilst at Kingsland Primary.
 

Speaking to the Peeblesshire News after his introduction as Cornet Elect at a packed Burgh Hall last Friday, Colin said: “I am still trying to take it all in. It hasn't quite hit me yet. But with the support of my family, friends and other principals, I hope to do the town proud.
 

“I have been involved with the Beltane all my life, but this is different. Everyone I speak to says try to savour every moment, as it will go so quick. So that is what I will try to do. Plus my father has been there and done it too. He will see me right!”
 

Assisting Colin in his duties this year will be Scarlett Potter. The 19 year-old has plenty of first-hand experience of the Beltane too, She first rode at Beltane when she was 11, shortly after moving to Peebles from Essex and has ridden every Wednesday evening since.
 

Scarlett said: “I have always wanted to be the Cornet's Lass. Since I moved here I have seen just what it means to the town. I was always thinking one day hopefully. And this summer it will happen.

“I would like to thank Colin for asking me. I will do my utmost in assisting Colin in his year in office and I will carry out the duties of Cornet's Lass to the very best of my ability.”
 

This year's Boundary Reader is Ross Forrest. Ross is from Peebles and attended and attended Kingsland and the High School before going to Glasgow University to study geography. On getting his Geography degree he then attended Edinburgh University to gain a converted Law Degree. At previous festivals, Ross has been a Mouse, Page, Sailor and Standard Bearer.
 

In his speech at Friday's event, Ross said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity of standing here in front of you this evening, for an exciting new chapter of my involvement in the Beltane festival.
 

“I have been lucky enough to have a number of varied roles in previous festivals, from being the tallest Mouse in Beltane history in Primary 1, all the way through to being selected as Standard bearer in Primary Seven.
 

“When not involved in a personal capacity, I have of course also enjoyed being one of the many spectators supporting and cheering on previous principals, none more so than my cousin and ex Cornet's Lass Susan Thompson, who has already been great in offering me her assistance this year.”
 

Robert 'Bob' Harrison was confirmed as Warden of the Neidpath for 2016. Robert moved to Peebles from Edinburgh 40 years ago and has made a huge contribution to the town and to the Beltane festival over the years.
 

His company Harrisons now employs over 60 staff with a garage in Edinburgh Road, two filling stations and an accident repair centre in Innerleithen. Harrisons have also supplied all the cars using during Beltane Week over the past 30 years.
 

Bob said: “When the Harrisons arrived in Peebles exactly 40 years ago this year, I as a young man could not have imagined I would have been entrusted with the honour of following last year's Warden of Neidpath Eric Gilmour, and I am genuinely delighted to be holding this office.
 

“The welcome we got when we arrived in Peebles was so warm. One of the things that impressed us when we came to Peebles was the commitment of the local townsfolk to caring for the town and the people that live in it.
 

“It is great credit to the town of Peebles, and I am absolutely delighted to be asked to be warden of Neidpath this year.”
 

Warden of the Cross Kirk this year will be the Rev. Pamela Strachan. She was unable to attend attend last Friday's event due to prior commitments.
 

The honour of anointing the Beltane Queen this year will fall to Susan Bell.


Susan has been a Flower Girl, Arabian Knight and has worked behind the scenes at many previous Beltane festivals.
 

Susan said: “I think it is fair to say that when I was asked to be Crowing Lady, I was speechless for the first time in my entire life.

“Heading to the shows has always been a highlight for me. Latterly, my involvement has been very much behind the scenes, helping serve the Callants their supper, helping out with the rugby show and trying to keep the boys in order, as well as meeting and greeting the principals and guests throughout the week at the Tontine.
 

“I am always proud to march with my Girl Guides and the other uniformed organisations on the Sunday evenings to the Cross Kirk, as generations before us did.
 

And she added: “Peebles has a wonderful history, and during Beltane Week we remember the past in our traditions of riding the boundaries and the present as we watch the Beltane concert on the Thursday, and all the fun of the Fancy Dress on the Friday.
 

“As the week approaches and the excitement builds, we will all have butterflies. But I am sure that the good folk of Peebles will help us through these exciting times.”
 

This year's Beltane celebrations start on Sunday June 19, and the week-long programme of events will run until Saturday, June 25.