ON the most unforgettable day of her life, the new Beltane Queen was still basking in the warm glow generated from her time under the Peebles spotlight as darkness descended.

Emma Latto’s worries that wet weather would ruin her big day were soon dissipated as spectators were able to pack away their umbrellas just before she was crowned at 10am on Red Letter Day.

“It was raining in the carriage and I was worried that it would spoil it, but it was all fine in the end,” said the 11-year-old Priorsford School pupil.

A downpour would not have stopped play but chaos would have ensued had a late switch inside the Old Parish Church been required for the Crowning Ceremony.

Only once in the history of the Beltane - seven years ago - was the weather so bad that it was necessary to move indoors for the town’s Red Letter Day.

But as the rain began falling at around 9.30pm - at first lightly and then more heavily - there was some concern that contingency plans would have to be put into place.

Moving the watching hordes from the High Street inside the church would have been a tricky logistical exercise.

Beltane committee member Ian Thorburn said: “It wasn’t looking good at one stage. It would have been a last resort to go into the church.

“There was an absolute downpour when we had to do it seven years. Fortunately, the rain stopped just in time and we have had another great day.” Emma described her entry into Peebles’ hall of fame as “amazing” and said: “I didn’t really feel nervous, it was all just so exciting. It’s gone really fast, it’s all over so quickly and I wish I could do it again.

“I was a little worried that I might make a wrong move during the Crowning Ceremony but the Crowning Lady Liz White gave us a lot of encouragement and was a great help to me and the rest of my Court.” The crowds were not deterred by the damp weather at the start of the day with the seating area in front of the Old Parish Church virtually full and the end of the High Street packed with standing spectators.

Space was also in short supply on the steps of the church as the children, clad in colourful and creative fancy-dress, assembled on both sides while Emma and her Court waited at the top.

A short while later, the Crowning Lady arrived in a black Mercedes and climbed the steps before carefully placing the crown upon Emma’s head.

Emma had been on those steps before - her characters have included a French Lass and Sailor Girl - but this beat the lot. “I feel lucky and privileged and this day will stay with me for the rest of my life,” she said.

There has been excitement in the Latto household - Emma has a brother Scott, 14, and sister Carla, 10 - ever since it was announced last month that she was to be Queen. The faces of parents Richard and Julia were wreathed in smiles as they watched their daughter from front row seats.

Emma’s mum revealed they had risen at 6.30am in readiness for the big day. “We were quite calm really and it took Emma about an hour to do her hair and get dressed,” she said.

“We started to get excited when the pages and maids started coming and it was a special moment when the carriages arrived.

“It’s been a very special and emotional day for all us of in the family. We are so proud of Emma and she’s loved every minute of it.

“She’s told us that the Cornet and his Lass and the other Principals have given her loads of advice and tips and that made her task so much easier.” Emma and her court then had a short break before joining the official party for the Grand Parade. It had warmed up and the cheers rang out from the revellers packed along both side of the High Street with food outlets and pubs especially enoying a roaring trade.

The procession was led by Cornet Keiran Scott and his supporters accompanied by the Peebles Burgh Silver Band. They were followed by a long line of decorated lorries, carrying the children and grown ups in fancy dress.

Outside the Tontine Hotel, young members of Peebles Rugby Club put on a cabaret act that has become one of the highlights of Red Letter Day.

Later, in a more sombre part of the day, the Queen and other Principals laid wreaths during the Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial.

Another iconic Peebles spot - the Hydro - was the venue for the offical luncheon where the Beltane chairman Keith Brunton presented commemorative plaques to the Crowning Lady, Warden of Neidpath Eric Gilmour and a brooch to the Cornet’s Lass Beth Williamson.

It was a beautiful evening with a cloudless sky as the Beltane Festival wound down with Beating Retreat on the High Street by the Police Scotland, Fife Band and the Peebles Burgh Silver Band.

The weather was in marked contrast to more than 10 hours earlier when - under dark skies and in light rain - the offical party led by the Peebles Burgh Silver Band, had marched to the Mercat Cross for the proclamation of the Beltane Fair.

Colin Hunter, the Cornet of 1990, and the 1965 Cornet Tom Swanston were given special awards to mark their 25th and 50th anniversaries.

Tom said: “When I became Cornet an ex-Cornet Davy Wright said to me: ‘Hi, Tam you will be king for a week’. However, the mantle of Cornetship remains with you all of your life. It’s an experience hard to describe - one better felt than telt.

“There have been 107 Cornets and I am honoured to have been one of them.” The Beltane chairman presented the Cornet with a medal and said: “Cornet Keiran Scott since your installation on Wednesday you have shown great pride in leading your mounted cavalcade and the riding of the marches and leading our celebration of this historic festival.” Keiran said: “This has been a week that I will never forget and I will do anything to do it all over again.” The Cornet praised the soon-to-be crowned Queen and her family who he had been in contact with in preparation for the big day. “Emma’s enthusiasm has been there for all to see and her smile would brighten up even the dullest of days,” he said.