DESPITE the rain, spirits weren’t dampened in Peebles as the most anticipated week of the year got under way.
The first night of the Beltane Festival, on Sunday evening, saw hundreds flock to the Inaugural Service at the Old Parish Church.
Donning raincoats and wellies, the Peebles community were undeterred by the downpour and came out to support Kieran Scott on one of his last official duties as Cornet, before Cornet Elect Colin Dodds is installed on Wednesday.
Luckily, organisers had prepared for the Scottish summer weather and plans were in place to move the usual outdoor ceremony at the Cross Kirk inside the Parish Church, so the evening went as smoothly as ever.
Chairman Keith Brunton even said he thought that more people than usual had turned out: “We did have 560 chairs set out at the Cross Kirk, but unfortunately, for the first time in six years, the decision was made at 4pm that we’d have to move inside because the weather was just going to get worse and worse.
“But that didn’t put people off at all and actually, it seemed as though there were far more spectators than we’ve ever seen come out in the sunshine!
“But that was perhaps because they were more gathered in the High Street, due to the change of plans, rather than spread out all over the place.”
The Parish Church was packed with the uniformed services; the local Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides, as well as Ex-Cornets, Callants, and Gutterbluids filling the front pews, and the upstairs seats brimming with members of the public.
Reverend Pamela Strachan carried out the ceremony and, adding something new to proceedings this year, presented tabards, which she had made, to selected youngsters.
The tabards are to represent and commemorate the religious people that used to live at the Cross Kirk and it is hoped these will become a fixed feature in the festival.
With the Burgh Standard held high, Cornet Kieran Scott led the procession to the church for the ceremony, and then back to the Burgh Chambers, with Cornet-in-waiting Colin, members of the Beltane committee, other principals, and supporters following behind.
The Beltane Queen Madeline Collins and her court were met with rounds of applause as they smiled and waved to the crowds.
“A great start to the Beltane,” said an excited Keith, as he looked forward to the busy week ahead.
“We can just hope that it’s dry on Wednesday night, but as seen on Sunday, that certainly doesn’t stop people from coming out and enjoying themselves.”
Photos by Helen Barrington
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