Published: Monday, 22nd June, 2009 11:45am

Beltane Principals swept along on tide of emotion

PEEBLEANS deserved a break - and they got it on Wednesday evening.

After rain forced the Cross Kirk service to be switched to the Parish Church hall on Sunday, there were fears that the Wednesday night Beltane ceremonials faced another deluge.

But despite a shower at fording of the Tweed, the only damp feeling were the tears flowing from the eyes of Gareth Harrison as he was installed as Peebles Cornet 2009 and his Lass Laura Robson.

The night of emotion struck at the heart of two very proud Principals as they were first installed as Cornet and Lass by Beltane chairman, Christina Elder, in front of the Old Parish Church.

And then as they led the cavalcade of 200 horses round the marches, across the Tweed and back to the centre of town for the Dancing of the Reel.

It was a journey of a lifetime - maybe a few bumps and bruises, perhaps also a few moments of nervous anticipation along the way - but overall a night to treasure for a lifetime.

They had been swept along in a tide of emotion, roared on by an enthusiastic and hoarse crowd, and cheered at every corner.

There may not have been pots of gold and the end of two rainbows over the Peebles hills - only the golden smiles of two very happy people.

The smiles told their own story - happiness, pride, enjoyment, achievement and wonder - wonder that the night could be so good, so satisfying.

The evening began as Gareth and Laura, along with their Supporters, Colin and Katy Noble and Murray and Yvonne Bain - and Warden of Neidpath Ian Thorburn, Crowning Lady Jane Holmes and Beltane Queen Rosie Bowick - walked along the High Street behind the Peebles Ex-Servicemen"s Pipe Band to the dias at the foot of the Parish Church steps.

The Principals took their places on the dias where Colin Noble was to hand back the Burgh flag. 'I can scarcely believe I am about to hand back the treasured Burgh Standard and Cornet"s sash,' he said.

'The year has passed so quickly, a year which has been the most memorable of my life.

'Katy and I have been so proud to represent Peebles - and we wore the biggest smiles of our lives.'

Turning to Katy and wiping back the tears, he said: 'I am so proud of the way you have supported me. Your bubbly personality and smile showed all over and you were a credit to me and your town.

'Thank you from the bottom of my heart - my Lass, wife and best friend.'

Colin went on to thank everyone who had made it possible and he had so many 'wonderful memories" of his year.

Turning to Gareth and Laura, he said: 'You will tonight join a select few. Grab this opportunity with both hands and represent this town with the same enthusiasm and dedication that Katy and I gave Peebles.

'This will be your finest hour and you count on me for support, which will never waver.

'And I will spend the rest of my days paying back my debt to the Beltane Committee for selecting me.'

Colin told the chairman: 'My goal is to stand where you are as Beltane chairman!'

Katy added that she had learned so much during her year of office of the traditions of the Borders towns and she appreciated the hard work of the Beltane Committee.

'Gareth and Laura, you have a wonderful year ahead of you and so far you have shown the dedication and commitment required to fulfil that role.

'We have been so honoured to show you the way.'

'Colin, you have been a true star and we are now a stronger couple because of it.'

It was then time to hand back the flag as Mrs Elder told Colin: 'You have been an excellent ambassador for Peebles and have shown the enthusiasm, pride and dignity even in the adverse weather conditions.'

She then told Cornet Harrison: 'You will represent Peebles at the Borders towns in the months ahead and I have every confidence that you will carry out your duties with pride and uphold our traditions.

'Enjoy and savour every moment of your Cornetship, carry the Burgh Standard with pride and honour, and I charge you to return it one year hence unsullied and untarnished.

'Laura, you have supported Gareth in his duties and will continue to do so. I am sure that this will be a special year fior you."

Laura then attached the ribbons to the flag.

The newly installed Cornet Harrison stepped up to make his speech.

'I have truly searched to find words to express the feelings and emotions running through my whole body tonight, as I stand here on these ancient Parish steps as many before me have.

'Looking out at the sea of faces in front of me I am truly blown away and overwhelmed. The words honour and pride are too understood by me tonight. The atmosphere and warmth shared here tonight will be engraved in my memory for all of time and I must thank you, the people of Peebles.

'The passion I have experienced from everyone involved in our Beltane festival is second to none. To be part of history now and for all of time is more than any man could wish for in a lifetime.

'Peebles is a proud town and everybody involved in keeping the tradition going does so with unconditional commitment.

'Thank you to Colin, Murray and Russell, along with your Lasses Katy, Yvonne and Pauline. Your support and encouragement has guided me through the last few months.

'A special thanks must go to my parents whose help, encouragement and just being there has excelled any son"s expectations, and to Laura"s Mum for her help and support.

'Last but by no means least Laura, my Lass. Thank you for being by my side, and for maintaining the age old tradition of bussing the colours.'

The Cornet then asked the Chairman"s permission to inspect the ancient burgh"s bounderies and the crowd burst in to applause.

The Cornet"s lass Laura stepped up to speak, looking proud and confident.

'Since our introduction in April we have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement shown to us by the community of Peebles.

'The last few months have been unbelievable and we have made so many new friends on our visits.

'Queen Rosie we wish you, your court and all the children of Peebles a happy and fun filled Beltane Saturday.

'Gareth, I am so proud to be your Lass and will endeaver to support you completely as we represent our town and its people over the coming year.'

The ceremony was concluded with the traditional 'Safe oot, safe in!' and Gareth and Laura mounted to lead the cavalcade.

A chorus of cheery 'Hoorays" swept through the High street as they rode past. The sun came out over the Tweed Valley as the crowd descended on Neidpath for Warden Ian Thorburn"s address.

Everyone listened with great interest as he spoke of the Peebles of his youth and dropped in the controversial Neidpath v.s Kingsland Primary debate.

Then it was down to the river for the fording. The event was impressive as ever and the 200 horses made it safely across the river.

The Principals danced the traditional Cornet"s reel, the new Cornet and his Lass bringin great new energy to the dance with a drink from the Stirrup Cup.

The evening finished with the presentation of the prizes for the Beltane Bell. Another Beltane Wednesday success, safe oot safe in!