PEEBLEANS packed the Cross Kirk for the Inaugural service to kick off Beltane week 2017 on Sunday.

The town basked in the sunshine as the procession of the Principals, along with guests and councillors, made the journey along Peebles High Street for the tea time event.

The historic service was conducted by the Warden of the Cross Kirk, Reverend Calum McDougall in the enchanting ruins of the 13th century tower.

The Inaugural Service was first introduced to the Beltane Festival in 1930 by Dr Clement Gunn, a well respected GP and local historian.

The events of the evening had began at around 5.45pm, when the Peebles Silver Band marched from the archway of School Brae on to the High Street to take up their position in front of the uniformed organisations of the town. 

Five minutes later the Peebles Ex Servicemen's Pipe Band marched through the archway to head up the parade of the Official Party who emerged from the Chambers Institution.

The parade was headed by Cornet Colin Dodds carrying the Burgh Standard. Behind him was Cornet-Elect Ross Falla, followed by Chairman of the Beltane Committee, Keith Brunton.

They were followed Cornet's Lass-Elect Eilidh Falla.

A parade of Ex Cornet's, Ex Lasses and representatives from the Peebles Callants Club followed the Principals, along with members of the town's clergy and Scottish Borders Councillors, including leader Shona Haslam.

The Beltane Queen, Emily Carrick-Anderson was all smiles as she marched along the High Street with members of the Beltane Court.

As the crowds cheered the first official engagement of Beltane Week it sparked a wave of excitement ahead of the greatest week on the Peeblean calendar.

The Peebles Silver Band played a number of songs, followed by readings from the Warden of Neidpath and the Cornet Elect. And the evening ended with 'The Blessing'.