A BEAMING Gregor McGrath declared he was having "the best summer ever" as he addressed the Royal Burgh of Peebles Callants Club Supper earlier this week.

The Cornet Elect was speaking at the annual event, a long standing fixture in the Beltane calendar, in the Tontine Hotel on Monday night.

A Callant himself, he told fellow members and guests: "My lass Loryn and I have been to loads of towns and met some remarkable people on our visits."

And recalling the moment he was given the opportunity to represent his hometown he said: "I can remember the night when I was asked to be Cornet Elect. I phoned my mum, dad and sister Rachel straight away and I even think my dad was a wee bit emotional that night."

His dad David, a former Cornet and one of nearly 80 Callants in attendance, watched on proudly as Gregor was presented with a goblet from Chief Callant Andrew Williamson.

The Cornet Elect also took time to thank the club for paying for his horse riding lessons, even if he found himself "walking like John Wayne" after the first one.

The Callants have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Beltane committee over the years, supporting the festival financially and in many other ways – including the provision of ice cream to the town's primary school pupils at the Beltane Children's Sports event.

And the hard work carried out by members in the community all-year-round was lauded by Gregor and other top table speakers.

Countless town clean-ups were highlighted, the most recent of which took place just prior to Beltane.

Honorary president Sandy Craig wished the Cornet Elect 'Safe Oot, Safe In' as he gave his annual remarks.

He also offered a warm welcome to David Raeburn, who was Cornet 60 years ago.

'Mr Innerleithen' Keith Belleville gave the toast to the Callants Club. The former St Ronan's Games Week Chairman and Standard Bearer, St Ronan's Silver Band Secretary and headteacher of St Ronan's Primary School, was delighted to be invited to the event 15 years on from his last supper.

He said: "Your organisation is the envy of many other towns. I have watched with interest, and frankly amazement, over the years as the work of the club has unfolded.”

He also praised two key Callant-led initiatives – the Star of Rabbie Burns competition run annually for local school children to showcase their Scots poetry skills; and the new ‘Peebles and its People’ book, which provides a record of the individuals, businesses and organisations of the town.

Replying to Keith was his good friend and fellow silver band enthusiast, Callant Colin Napier.

The chairman of Peebles Silver Band also spoke of the importance of the Callants Club, and highlighted the good work of his band, including the free music tuition on offer to the town's young people.

Warden of Neidpath Douglas Wright and Chris Blackwood, proud father of Beltane Queen Katy, joined the evening’s speakers at the top table.

Former Peebles Civic Society chairman Ronald Ireland gave the traditional Toast to the Royal Burgh of Peebles. He talked in detail about the town’s history and highlighted the role of local volunteer groups, such as the Callants Club, in “preserving the spirit of community”.

Callant Malcolm Bruce, a fourth generation Peeblean with a key involvement in the Peebles Men’s Shed project, replied to Ronald’s Toast. He regaled the crowd with some entertaining tales from his former job as a customs officer.

Talented musicians Angus Oliver, Hendry White and Dave Robb kept the crowd entertained with music throughout the night. The sense of pride in the room was clear when the Beltane Song was loudly belted out by all.

And members took turns to deliver humorous poetry and songs. Talent and sense of humour are clearly in abundance in the Callants Club.

Chief Callant Andrew Williamson, in his inaugural supper in the chair, diligently oversaw proceedings throughout the evening. He also presented his predecessor Craig Lusk with a medal after three years at the helm.

Speaking after the supper, Mr Williamson said: "I'd like to thank all our members, guests, speakers and the Tontine Hotel for another great evening. This supper gives us the opportunity to raise a glass to our town and Beltane Festival each year, both of which we're very proud of."