Cornet Colin is "proudest man in Peebles"

Under the canopy of red and white flags, the sunny High Street flooded with people as the Beltane principals and committee gathered outside the Parish Church to install this year’s Cornet.

Both Kieran Scott and Beth Williamson, last year’s Cornet and Lass, were evidently emotional to be ending their time in office, but both wished Colin his Lass Scarlett Potter all the best for the year ahead.

The two agreed that they couldn’t believe that it’s been a year since they were installed, and their advice to their successors was to savour every moment.

Beth said: “It’s a year you’ll never forget. Take a moment tonight to look behind and see all those horses following you, take it all in. It’s better felt than telt!”

Scarlett then bussed her Cornet’s colours to rapturous applause.

In his acceptance speech, 23-year-old Colin said: “I am the proudest man in Peebles tonight. And I am lucky to be following in my father’s footsteps as very few have had the opportunity to do.”

His father Alistair was Cornet in 1979 and Committee Chairman for many years, and was overjoyed see his son wearing the Cornet’s sash.

“I’m a really proud father tonight,” said Alistair. “And my only fatherly advice to him is to enjoy it. 

“It’s been 37 years since I was Cornet and things have changed quite a bit so there’s a lot I won’t be able to tell him. All I do know is it flies by, and he should savour every minute.

“You always dream of your son being Cornet but it wasn’t something planned out for him since he was wee, he only started riding two years ago and I was thrilled when he said he wanted to be involved. There’s not been many sons that have followed their fathers as Cornet, only about four or five, so this is a very special year for us.”

The Dodds household will certainly have a few new photos to line the mantlepiece after this summer!

According to tradition, retiring Cornet Kieran handed the Burgh Standard over to his successor “unsullied and untarnished.”

With the ceremony complete, it was time for the Cornet, Lasses, and 172 supporters on horseback to Ride the Marches.

The sun shone down on the majestic setting of the ancient Neidpath Castle and three trumpet players on the castle’s roof marched the principals, led by Colin with the Burgh Standard, into the historic grounds.

The Warden of Neidpath Bob Harrison delivered his address, giving a touching tribute to Peebles and sound advice to Colin and Scarlett in their new roles.

And the renowned Ford dealership owner joked that should Colin see any other Ford dealers encroaching the town’s Borders, that he dispose of them in the appropriate manner.

To which Colin later replied: “I take my duties as Cornet very seriously, and should we see any Ford dealers we will escort them out accordingly, report back to you...and will have a Fiesta!”

An overwhelmed Colin was almost speechless when we caught him after the Neidpath Ceremony. It was as though in a minute of calm everything had hit him: “I’m hugely honoured, I don’t know how else to describe it,” he said. “The crowds have been amazing tonight coming out to support us. Everyone’s advice is that Scarlett and I should savour every moment so we’re really going to try.”

After a resounding “Safe-oot Safe-in,” the mounted cavalcade then forded the Tweed; a successful crossing with only a few dancers...and one horse that darted full speed across the water and up Hay Lodge Park to a Mexican wave of gasps from the crowd.

Good job to Ex-Cornet’s Lass Jo Cassidy who managed to stay on the saddle!

The races and the Cornet’s Reel rounded off the evening, and the town is now gearing up for a big day tomorrow, when all eyes will be on Queen Madeline Collins for her much-anticipated crowning. 

The remaining programme reads: 

Saturday, June 25: Red Letter Day: Beltane Saturday Morning Ride, 8.30am; Children’s Procession from Halyrude School, 9.15am; Proclamation of Beltane Far at Mercat Cross, 9.30am; Crowning Ceremony at Old Parish Church steps, 10am; Grand Parade around the Burgh, 11.45am; Service of Remembrance at War Memorial, 1.15pm; Beating Retreat on High Street, 7pm.

Sunday, June 26: Beltane Open Sports at Whitestone Park, 1.30pm.