BELTANE chairman Keith Brunton has hailed another successful festival and confirmed the dates of the 2018 week to the Peeblesshire News.

Marking the end of his third year as chairman, since succeeding Alastair Dodds who stepped down in 2014, Keith reflected on a whirlwind week, and highlighted the continued success of the novice ride outs.

Keith said: “This year’s Beltane was very successful. Many thanks to all our Principals, they were all superb. It never fails to amaze me how such a busy week seems to pass so quickly. 

“The weather held out for us all week – even if the sun didn’t always shine, the rain stayed away. The novice rides grow from strength to strength with 72 riders taking part this year. 

“Now the Beltane decorations are down, the streets are back to normal, but behind the scenes the planning for next year is already under way. My thanks to all the Beltane Committee for their hard work year round. 

“To the non-committee members who turn up to help each year, our Patrons who always respond so generously, to all those who donated to our collections. Last but not least to all the citizens of Peebles and visitors to our town who come out to support the Beltane and make it all worthwhile. 

“Beltane 2018 is between June 17 and 24. Mark it on your calendars.”

Meanwhile, Cornet and Lass Ross and Eilidh Falla gave their reaction to the Beltane week festivities.

Ross, 35, told the Peeblesshire News: “It was a stunning week and better than I ever expected. Wednesday was an unbelievable experience and the Saturday morning parade topped off a brilliant week for me.” 
His Lass, and wife, Eilidh, 29, said: “Beltane week was brilliant from start to finish. Many people told us to try and savour it as it passes so quickly, it really is true. 

“It was the quickest but best week of the year! 

“A special thank you from both of us goes to our family, friends, supporters, Beltane Committee and Kailzie Equestrian. But especially to all the volunteers who give up their time year after year to make Beltane the unique spectacle that it is. It truly is a community effort and we’re so grateful to all involved.”

The results for the decorated houses and shops competitions are:

Decorated Houses competition for the Community Council Cup
1st - MGovern, Venlaw Quarry Road, 2nd - Laidlaw, 99 Whitehaugh Park, 3rd - Cornwall, 84 Rosetta Road.

Decorated Shops Competition for the Maharajah’s Shield
1st - Sense, High Street, 2nd - Carol’s Creations, Northgate, 3rd - Sainsbury’s, Northgate.

• The Peeblesshire News’ regular photographer Helen Barrington was at many of the Beltane events, but we are endebted to the Beltane’s official photographer Stephen Mathison for boosting our coverage even further. 

To see more of Stephen’s photos, visit his Facebook page www.facebook.com/offthebackbarbers. 

To order any pictures from Stephen, visit www.offthebackphotography.com or call 01721 722626.

To order copies of Helen’s photographs, visit: www.helenbarrington.co.uk or call 01899 229280/ 07977 009413. Or email: photos@helenbarrington.co.uk