Published: Monday, 22nd June, 2009 11:18am
Warden enters school name controversy
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NOT surprisingly, the new Warden of Neidpath was not short of controversy in his address on Wednesday night.
Ian Thorburn, a prolific writer of letters to the Peeblesshire News, again called for a new name for the primary school at Neidpath Grazings, and bemoaned the plans for Dunwhinny Lodge.
'Enough has been said about the controversial choice of site for this much needed school, ' he said, 'and I would sincerely wish the pupils and staff every success there in the future.
'But what I would like to make one last appeal for common sense to prevail regarding the name.
'Surely it is in the long-term interest of the town to give the new school a name that reflects this area.
'Here we have Neidpath Castle, Neidpath Road and Neidpath Grazings - surely Neidpath Primary is the most appropriate name.
'Let the Kingsland name remain in the area it belong in the splendid sandstone building that has played a part in so many of our childhoods and hopefully will continue to do so for many generations to come.'
And he went on: 'We also now have the equally controversial situation regarding the proposed replacement for Dunwhinny.
'This ancient castle has stood here guarding the western approach to the town for several centuries and has come under attack on many occasions, but now it is under threat once again, not from invaders from afar but from the town itself.
'Who would ever have thought that the town boundary would have been breached here on protected land and with the blessing of our local councillors?
'The green fields of this scenic gateway to the town have now been lost for ever to be replaced by breeze blocks and metal roofs and sadly we have to accept that.
'I don"t think these issues would have handled this way in the old Town or County Council days. There is no doubt that we here in Peebles now feel more and more detached from local government as important decisions concerning the town continue to be taken by people who do not or never have lived here. There is now a constant feeling that our views are not listened to.
'The introduction of Party politics into local government in the Borders was the end of local government as we used to know it.
'When local issues were dealt with by local independently minded people who were making decisions based on what they as individuals thought was best for the town and not making decisions based on Party policies. The Principals arrived at Neidpath where they were given a special welcome by Mr Thorburn.
'To be installed, as Cornet is the greatest honour this town can bestow on one of its young men, in the same way I suppose, that Warden of Neidpath is the greatest honour the town can bestow on one of its old men,' he said.
'Cornetship is not just for Beltane week or even one year, but for life. This is the night that you join the ranks of the many fine young men who have held the office of Cornet and carried the Burgh Standard.
'You have now become a part of Peebles history and you should cherish this and most of all enjoy the moment.'
He added: 'It does not really seem that long ago since I sat here as a member of the court of 1960 to hear my first Warden"s Address though I have to admit to having little or no recollection of what the then Warden Bill Smith said and no doubt, the children of the Court of 2009 will have little recollection of this Warden"s Address either.
'We were all looking forward to the magic of Beltane Saturday. But I sometimes wonder if the thrill is the same for the children of today as it was for my generation.
'I would like to think that it is, though when many children are now being flown across the world on holiday, and to experience the wonder of Disneyland perhaps a hurl round Peebles on the back of a lorry is not the thrill once was, or is it?"
Earlier, Mr Thorburn had been wlecomed to Neidpath by chairman Christina Elder, who installed him as Warden of the ancient keep.
The vote of thanks was given by Beltane vice-chairman Alistair Dodds.
