AT the end of another memorable week Beltane Festival week chairman Keith Brunton revealed he had turned into a meteorological expert.

Worries that wet conditions would ruin Peebles’ gala week prompted him to make constant checks of the forecasts.

“The truth is I’ve lost count of how many times I was looking at the BBC Weather to see what would happen,” he said.

“It was amazing how many times it kept changing whenever I went to have a look,” he said. “I think I now know all the ins and outs of weather forecasting.” Mr Brunton was delighted that the forecast was spot on for the rain to cease at 10am on Red Letter Day - and insisted he was never really concerned that the Crowning Ceremony would have to be held indoors for only the second time in history.

“I always thought we’d be ok even though they did move the font in the church just in case. They did say there would not be a great deal of rain on Saturday and that it would be all over by 10am and they got that right.

“I got a wet bottom like a few others around me but apart from that there were no problems.

“I would say though if the Crowning Ceremony had been a day later it would have been in the church as it poured on Sunday morning and was much colder.” It was Mr Brunton’s first year at the Beltane helm and he described the week as “excellent with so many highlights”.

“The whole week was rounded off by a fabulous Beating Retreat - certainly one of the best I’ve seen - and the new novice ride for the children on Thursday went down well,” he said. “Nothing’s been decided for next yet but it was so well-received we are likely to have it again.

“All the children and their teachers excelled themselves - they always give it their best and do what they have to do.

“The Cornet had a wonderful time and he and his Lass did the town proud.”