MEMBERS of the Royal Burgh of Peebles Callants Club raised a glass to one of their own on Monday evening, toasting Cornet Elect Ross Falla at its annual supper, writes Mark Wilson.

The event is a traditional fixture in the Beltane calendar and 80 Callants and guests packed into the Tontine Hotel for a night of good food, drink, speeches, music and poetry.

Falla, a Callant himself and member of the historic institution’s Council, told the room it was an honour and pleasure to be in the position he was in, in the biggest week of his life.

He said: "There are so many ex-Cornets and Callants’ Club members in this room who’ve played a massive part in getting me to where I am tonight. Whether it’s been words of wisdom, a pat on the back or just pointing me in the right direction I’m forever grateful and I hope I do the Callants Club and Peebles proud."

Commenting on the club’s ageing membership, the Cornet-to-be spoke of his desire to see younger Peebleans involved.

He said: “Going forward I’d like the Callants to get more young blood. This town has some very talented young men. They just need pushed in the right direction.”

Before ending with a short poem, Ross thanked the club for paying for his horse riding lessons and its grant towards his lass, and wife, Eilidh’s clothing fund, as well as the bouquet of flowers sent to her – all things the Callants do every year for the Cornet and Lass.

They also cover the cost of the Betane Queen's hairdressing and make-up, and fund the ice creams handed out to local youngsters at the children's sports

Honorary President Sandy Craig had already given his remarks by this stage, highlighting the plethora of projects carried out to support the town. Various clean-ups; planting bulbs; running the local schools' Rabbie Burns competition; helping with the town's Christmas lights; installing an information board at Pennels Close; repairs to gates at Neidpath Castle; all carried out by Callants members in the last year.

He also took the opportunity to speak against plans to build 200 extra houses in Peebles at Kittlegairy, due to the extra pressure it would put on the town’s resources.

Lauder farrier Jock Threadgall gave the toast to the Callants’ Club.

He may have spoken of his nerves, saying he was “shaking like an Ikea wardrobe”, but delivered a funny and warmly received speech. He also spoke of his delight in winning the prestigious Beltane Bell horse race during last year’s festival.

Replying to Jock was ex-Cornet, Callant Gordon Wilson, who’s equally entertaining words, including many playful jibes aimed at fellow Callants, also carried a serious message about the need to recruit younger members – echoing the words of the Cornet Elect earlier in the night. He paid tribute to retiring Beltane Festival Secretaries Allan Beveridge and David Turnbull as well.

Also amongst the speakers was Malcolm Noble, who gave the traditional toast to the Royal Burgh of Peebles. The Peebles-born retired headteacher of prestigious London school Bexleyheath Academy and Chairman of the Caledonian Education Trust talked articulately about the town’s history and many of its notorious former residents, going all the way back to the 14th century.

Final main speaker was Callant Neil Hughes who was roundly welcomed back to talk to the room for the second year in a row, replying to Mr Noble.

Warden of Neidpath Alan Duncan, Senior guest Douglas Wright and Crawford Carrick-Anderson, proud father of Beltane Queen Emily joined the evening’s speakers at the top table. John Falla, Callants’ Treasurer and dad of man-of-the-moment Ross, also watched on with pride.

It was up to Callant David Elder to give the traditional vote of thanks, before ex-Cornets sung a medley of Border festival songs, accompanied by talented musicians Angus Oliver and Hendry White, who had kept the crowd entertained with music throughout the night. As ever, the Beltane song topped the billing.

Scots poetry was then recited by Callants Drew Fraser and Ian Ronaldson, and Colin Fairbairn filled the room with the magnificent sound of bagpipes before the event was brought to an end.

Chief Callant Craig Lusk managed the evening’s proceedings and was loudly applauded in his final supper in the role.

He told the Peeblesshire News: “As ever the supper was a fantastic event, one that the Callants can be proud of. I’d like to thank everyone who pulled the night together, to all of our speakers and guests, the Tontine and our members.

"We are a proud organisation that works passionately for our town and the supper is an ideal way to celebrate Peebles and the Beltane Festival each year.”