HE’S been a mouse, a page, a sailor and a swordbearer - and this year he will be the figurehead at Peebles’ historic summer festival.

Keith Brunton steps into the role of Beltane committee chairman after five years as the vice chairman.

He takes over from Alistair Dodds who carried out the task with distinction for five years.

Mr Brunton said: “I’ve had the good fortune to be involved with the Beltane ever since I was a child and it’s a great honour to be asked to be the chairman.

“I’m looking forward not only to our own event but also visiting all the other festivals and representing Peebles.

Mr Brunton, 55, who works for NHS Scotland in Edinburgh, is married to Yvonne and has sons aged 17, 15 and 11.

He is accustomed to public speaking but he said: “I won’t have to do much of that - the vice chairman is the one that does most of the talking.

“For me it’s more of a ceremonial role and although I am the chairman the Beltane is always a team effort as we have a fantastic committee to make sure everything runs smoothly.” Paul Spence, 48, a telecommunications architect based in Edinburgh, is the new vice chairman on the Beltane committee. He is married to Louise and has daughters aged five and seven.

Mr Spence too has previous - he has appeared at the Beltane as a mouse and a penguin and has been a committee member since 2000, being principally involved in the sports section and as an organiser of the Three Bridges race.

“I know that I’m going to be doing a lot more speaking than Keith,” he said. “It’ll be a bit scary at first but I’ve done presenting before and I’m sure I’ll be ok once I get going.” Mr Spence was born in Peebles and left the town to serve in the RAF for eight years before returning.

“I am very proud to have this role and have always loved the Beltane,” he said.

One of Mr Brunton’s first tasks will be to let out of the bag one of Peebles’ best kept secrets - the names of the principals.

The Cornet Elect, the Warden of the Cross Kirk, The Warden of Neidpath, the Reader of the Boundaries and the Crowning Lady will first be revealed to members of the committee in the council chambers next Friday (April 24).

Then at 8pm the public will get the opportunity to see the characters who will play a prominent part in Peebles’ summer festivities.

The whole town is invited to show their support for the event in the Burgh Hall which begins at 7pm - there is free coffee and entertainment laid on.

The principals will mingle with the public for 15-20 minutes before the Cornet Elect is pushed along the High Street behind the Pipe Band on the Cornet’s barrow which has been repaired and restored by a member of the Beltane committee.

The organisers of the Beltane have been boosted this year with the award of charitable status after three years’ hard work by the committee.

It will mean a little extra work for the committee and treasurer in particular but it should improve finances.

“Ex chairman Alistair Dodds and local solicitor Fiona Fleming of Blackwood and Smith’s are to be thanked for their time and effort in gaining this status for the committee and the community,” said Beltane joint-secretary Allan Beveridge.

A new event is planned for this year - a novice ride on the Thursday of the festival.

Mr Beveridge said: “In the last few years, a number of persons have appeared on Beltane Wednesday evening during the Riding of the Marches on foot and leading very young or very inexperienced riders. “This has caused one or two hiccups and to this end the committee has decided for a trial period to introduce a small ride out for these young or inexperienced riders.

“This will be a short ride, at the walk, around the streets of the town and will be led by the Cornet.” The riders taking part must be beginners and be led by a responsible person on foot with a lead rein.

It will also be permitted to have one responsible person walking beside the rider for safety.

The route will be around the main streets of the town and will last about one hour. It will start at 6pm from Kingsmeadows Road car park and finish in the same place.

Ponies can be private or hired from various riding establishments who are aware of the plans. It is not necessary to register with the committee in advance. Ex Cornets and other responsible persons will help where and when necessary.

The route will be Tweed Bridge, High Street, Northgate, Northgate Vennel, (Ford Cuddy if river level permits), March Street, Montgomery Place, Elcho Street Brae, Cuddy Bridge, High Street where the Cornet will dismount at the Concert Venue, Tweed Brae, Tweed Green, Tweed bridge and back to the car park.