HIS household is steeped in the tradition of the Beltane Festival so Keiran Scott knows what a privilege it is to lead his home town’s summer celebration.

The dream for many a young Peebles man has come true for Keiran - and he is determined to make the most of his opportunity.

He was introduced as the Cornet Elect before masses of cheering townsfolk at the Burgh Hall last Friday with his friend Beth Williamson unveiled as the Lass Elect.

“This is a massive occasion for me and the opportunity of a life time,” he said. “I feel truly humbled and I consider this to be the proudest moment of my life.

“I’d like to thank Beth for taking this huge challenge with me. I will do everything that’s expected of me in this role with a smile on my face.” Keiran is thoroughly acquainted with all the history and customs of Peebles’ summer pageant through his parents Bill and Sarah who have been involved with the Beltane and Beltane committee for many years.

When he was at a primary school he was an Austrian boy. chef and royal archer at previous Beltane festivals.

Introducing Keiran to the crowds, Beltane chairman Keith Brunton said: “He is highly-honoured to be our Cornet-Elect and is looking forward to representing Peebles, meeting all the other principals and in particular his installation night and dancing the reel.” Keiran will be officially installed as Cornet on June 17 when he will take over from Kevin Smith. As well as leading the festivities in his home town he will be representing Peebles at other festivals across the Borders.

The 23-year-old has worked at Brown Brothers in the town since 2009 and is currently undertaking training and mentoring with a view to moving to the sales team.

He worked previously in youth development for Peebles Rugby Club and played rugby himself before forced to give up because of injury. His other hobbies are golf, cars and football - he is a Newcastle United fan.

“I am over the moon at being appointed Cornet Elect - I just can’t believe that they’ve chosen me to carry out this important task,” he said.

The Lass Elect also has plenty of first-hand experience of the Beltane through her parents Andrew and Joyce as they were the Cornet and Lass in 1988.

Beth, 21, who works at Blackcircles in Peebles, has been heavily involved in the festivities over the years, including as a maid with her mum.

“It’s a great privilege for me and I will do my utmost to support Keiran. It’s a daunting task but I hope to make my parents proud of me,” she said.

“This is always a fun-filled week and I am looking forward to it. I would just like to say thanks to everyone for all the help and patience they’ve shown towards us so far.” Beltane committee stalwart, Eric Gilmour, was announced as the Warden of Neidpath. He is following in the footsteps of his brother Harry who held the same position in 1991.

Eric, a gardener at Haystoun Estates for the the last 25 years, was in his schooldays a mouse and Beau Brummell at the Beltane and he was the committee chairman between 1995 and 1999.

“You have installed a great honour on this son of the royal and ancient burgh,” said the father of two and grandfather of three. “I had the very good fortune to be born into a large Peebles family. What makes tonight so special to me is that I was deemed in the eyes of my peers to be worthy of such a high honour but it was with mixed emotions that I will follow in my late brother Harry’s footsteps in flaming skies of June.” The honour of anointing the Beltane Queen will fall to Liz White as the Crowning Lady. A former pupil at Halyrude, Kingsland and Peebles High she left the town briefly to go to Canada. Liz returned to her home town to find a husband and succeeded when she met and married Douglas.

A Gypsy Girl twice at the Beltane, Liz is best known for her work with the Beavers. She has been a member of many other community groups over the years.

“Thank you very much for this wonderful honour,” said the mother of two. “I’m sorry I’m not used to speaking to so many adults. I’m really excited and I am really looking forward to seeing things from the other side of the fence, so to speak,” The Warden of the Cross Kirk was announced as Ian Gray, the pastor of the Peebles Baptist Church. Originally from Surrey, he worked as a studio manager, sound engineer and in IT before moving into the ministry eight years ago.

“I am standing here amidst a group of very illustriuous longstanding Peebleans and I’m very conscous that the Warden of the Cross Kirk has the unique privilege of getting in on the act even if he or she hasn’t been in Peebles for very long,” said the father of three.

“We’ve been here for less than four years and earlier on I was thinking through all the places I have lived and I counted up 11 places around the country north and south of the border and I have to say that none of them has anything like the sense of spirit or identity that Peebles has and, of course, none have the Beltane Festivsal. I am delighted to serve as one of this year’s Principals and it’s a great honour to do so.” The Boundary Reader is Morris Anderson who has carried out the role twice before in 1982 and 2006. He is a senior partner at estate agents Blackwood & Smith and a former captain of Peebles Golf Club.

The event at the Burgh Hall ended with a rendition of the tradtional Beltane Song before the principals mingled with the public.

The Cornet Elect was then taken on barrow, carried by ex-Cornets, along the High Street to a function at Peebles Rugby Club.