Published: Friday, 8th May, 2009 11:52am

Homecoming Walk for the Beltane Festival

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FOR all those who"ve always wanted to have a go at the Beltane riding - now is your chance.

But alas you"ll only be able to do so on foot.

This year in order to celebrate Scotland"s Year Of Homecoming 2009, a sponsored family walk has been organised by Peebles Ex-Cornets following the route of the Peebles Burgh Bounds, roughly similar to the route of the Cornet"s Canter on Beltane Wednesday.

It is hoped that the walk on Sunday, May 24, will become an annual event.

The route is roughly six miles and should take up to three-and-a-half hours to complete.

Money raised by this event will be split between the Peebles March Riding & Beltane Queen Festival Committee and the Peebles Ex-Cornets" Association.

Cornet Colin Noble, Ex-Cornet Russell Copeland and Cornet Elect Gareth Harrison launched the event on Wednesday touring the town"s various primary schools.

Colin said: 'The purpose of the walk is to celebrate Homecoming Scotland while also raising awareness and promoting the Beltane Festival.

'Over the past few years many new families have moved to the town and we would hope this event could help in providing them with an opportunity to learn more about the town and its surroundings.

'Our hope is that families will get on their walking boots and join us for a great day out in Peebles. Also, it would be great if this event became another focal part of the Beltane Festival.'

On completing the walk, everyone will receive a certificate and a Homecoming Scotland memento.

Peebles has also been confirmed as the 'Walking Town of the Borders" next year, an event which will be held in September 2010.

Those wishing to find out more or wanting to get a sponsorship form can do so by contacting Colin on 01721 724340.