CORNET Elect Colin Dodds admitted he didn't expect to be sitting in the hot seat at the Royal Burgh of Peebles Callants Club supper on Monday.

The annual event at the Tontine Hotel has been a traditional fixture in the Beltane calendar for many years.

And Dodds told fellow Callants that he had been looking forward to attending his first supper after joining the group last year, following in the footsteps of father Alastair, a former Beltane chairman.

He said: "I thought I'd be enjoying the night in amongst my fellow Callants with no pressure, not sitting at the top table.

"It's been a real pleasure to be here as your guest and I've been made to feel welcome by everyone. There's a history in the Callants of sons following their fathers in becoming members, and I'm no exception.

"I'm looking forward to taking an active part in what the club does around the town. The Callants are well respected in Peebles, and rightly so."

A clean up of the town's streets; joining the community efforts to clear up after hard-hitting storms; running the schools' Rabbie Burns competition; helping with the town's Christmas lights; duck race and parlour derby fundraisers; just some of the activities undertaken by the Callants over the past year.

And the club has once again shown its generosity in support of Beltane week. Members fund the ice creams handed out to local youngsters at the children's sports, provide cash towards outfits worn by some of the main Beltane principals and cover the cost of the Betane Queen's hair and make-up. Traditionally the group also puts money forward for horse riding lessons for the Cornet, albeit this was not required this year with Colin already an experienced rider.

Ex-Innerleithen Standard Bearer Stuart Wilson joked that, as an Innerleithen man, he worried about receiving a hostile reception. However in his toast to the Callants Club, Wilson spoke of the "close bond" between Peebles and Innerleithen, and their historic Borders festivals. He also called for the club to "big itself up" and publicise its good work in the community more.

Replying to Stuart was ex-Cornet, and current Callant Angus Tait, who spoke of his memories of sitting in Colin Dodds' chair at the supper 18 years ago. He too highlighted the work the Callants do for Peebles and the Beltane, and challenged the organisation's committee to raise its annual subscriptions to free up more money to help the area. Tait took the opportunity to praise local showjumping hero Scott Brash and the efforts of the Bonnie Peebles group to erect a statue off Edinburgh Road in his honour.

Also amongst the speakers was Stobo Castle owner Stephen Winyard, who raised a glass to "the wonderful town of Peebles".

Callant Neil Hughes took to the microphone as well, talking poignantly about Peebles. He told the packed room: "I did some research and believe it or not many of the surnames in Peebles are the same as 200 years ago. I think that speaks volumes about our proud history and we must do more as townsfolk, as businesspeople and as councillors to ensure there are things here to make sure our people stay here or at least come back."

Throughout the night the talented Hendry White (on guitar), Angus Oliver (playing the accordion) and piper Colin Fairbairn provided the backing for many a lively singsong, none more proudly sung than the Beltane Song.

Warden of Neidpath Robert Harrison, proud father of Beltane Queen Madeline, Peter Collins, and dad of Cornet Colin, Alastair Dodds, oversees guest Mike O'Donnell and senior guest Drew Fraser, who recited some entertaining Scots poetry, joined the speakers at the top table.

Honorary President Sandy Craig also addressed the crowd and presented long serving Callant Kenny Howitt with a special goblet, to rapturous applause. Kenny recently stepped down after serving for decades in the Callants' main council.

The night's proceedings were managed by Chief Callant Craig Lusk and Vice Chairman Andrew Williamson.

It was up to Callant and former Cornet Arthur Crittell to give the traditional vote of thanks, before fellow ex-cornets took to the microphone to sing a medley of Border festival songs, bringing a successful evening to an end.

Kenny Wilson, Secretary of the Callants Club told the Peeblesshire News: "I'd like to thank the Tontine Hotel and its staff for a great meal and evening, and to all Callants and guests who attended. We are already looking forward to next year's supper."