Gen hails Smail's historic link with St Ronan's Games

Gen, originally from Dorset, is the manager of Robert Smail's Printing Works which has been inextricably connected with St Ronan's Games Week for the last 150 years.

And, as Gen detailed her strong connections to the town of Innerleithen; it's history, its annual Games, and its children, it was clear to everybody gathered that she was the perfect choice for this year's Principal Guest.

Gen studied Graphic Design at Chelsea School of Art where a passion for letterpress printing was ignited.

In 1996 she spotted an advert for a Compositor at Smail's and misreading the advert, thought it was in Inverleith, just 10 minutes down the road. However an hour and a half later on the 62 bus she ended up in Innerleithen, just in time for her interview at Smail’s.

"It's a huge honour to be chosen as Principal Guest in this very special year when Robert Smail’s Printing Works celebrates its 150th birthday. 

"Twenty years ago when I started as the ‘two day a week girl’ my boss decided he would keep me.

"I am here today solely because of Smail’s so thank you Innerleithen for affording me this privilege."

Smail’s was established in 1866 and has been connected with the Games and Cleikum Ceremonies ever since; printing posters, programmes, invitations and much more.

"In this way, Gen has long been involved with the Games and was honoured to be asked to join in this year's festivities from the other side.

And, as Chairman Keith Belleville presented her with her own Principal Guest certificate, which she'd made earlier that week, he told her to "Act surprised!" to bursts of laughter from the audience.

Gen delivered the main address at the all-important Cleikum Cermonies and then presented Dux's Rory MacDonald, Abbie Glendinning, and Robyn Keddie with their medals.

"I was surprised I could talk for seven minutes," she told us afterwards. "The more I looked into Smail's - I found there was just so much information and so many connections to be made.

"It's great that these two historic aspects of the town - Smail's and the Games - are linked in such a special way.

"I could be Principal Guest for the next four years and still have new things to say."

Gen then suggested putting a new spin on the ancient traditions.

"I am really pleased that we celebrate 50 years since the Sash Girls got to claim their place in these proceedings. Thanks must go to Murray Allan for bringing this step towards equality. 

"It was stated that future generations should always seek to improve on the original and I sincerely hope it will not be another 50 years, before we celebrate our first female Standard Bearer..." 

Speaking afterwards, she laughed: "My suggestion about a female Standard Bearer was either going to go one of two ways - I did have a car waiting outside in case there was a huge shocked gasp from the audience!

"It's so important to maintain these traditions - but they need to adapt if they want to remain relevant too. And really, maybe the best person to represent the town could be a woman.

"And that's not to be controversial. If it's genuinely about the best person for the job, then it should be the best 'person,' shouldn't it?

"Innerleithen has welcomed us so much," she continued. "Being here has benefitted my husband, my daughter, and I so much. My daughter has absolutely thrived growing up here and she actually considers herself Scottish now!

"We are all linked to Border song and story and tonight (Friday) we are all adding our own small piece to the traditions that have sprung from the fable of St. Ronan. 

"We have created links to the past, the very thing that gives us a strong sense of belonging and of place. And what a very special place Innerleithen is."