Cornet Barber's Beltane night

David O'Leary • Published 25 Jun 2010 12:00

T'WAS no close shave for one local barber on Wednesday night in Peebles.

Fin Barber was installed as Peebles Cornet 2010 with a rousing majority of the town out in force to cheer him on.

His night began with a procession along the High Street to the Old Parish Church steps led by Peebles Silver Band.

Hundreds lined the route and Fin looked every bit the proud Peeblean alongside his beaming Lass, Jo Cassidy.

The Pincipals were then welcomed by Beltane Chairman Alistair Dodds before the gathered crowd sang, The Beltane Song, written by 1934 Warden of Neidpath, James Hope Brown and first sung in 1920.

In time honoured tradition retiring Cornet Gareth Harrison returned the Royal Burgh Flag and Cornet's Lass Jo bussed Fin's ribbon to it.

And then the moment Fin had been waiting for, for many a year, Chairman Alistair Dodds presented him with his sash before the all important standard.

Speaking afterwards Fin said: "It's easily the best night of my life, superb.

"Leading the cavalcade up from the swimming pool and turning on to the High Street was just amazing. A total buzz that I would recommend to anyone.

"The installation was fantastic to see so many people there just for us.

"It was a dream come true something I've lived my whole life to see.

"I'm Cornet for the year now and I'll enjoy every minute of it. I'll be gutted on Saturday night when Beltane Week is over but at least I have another three years being involved as a Principal in some way so it's not too bad."

After the installation, the Cornet and his Lass, moved on to Neidpath Castle for the Warden's Address, which this year was given by George Tait.

Following the Riding of the Marches, the Principals decamped at the Tontine Hotel, before heading back out to take their places for the reel on the High Street.

A large and enthusiastic crowd cheering them as they jigged and reeled.

As the evening then drew to a close, Fin and Jo presented the prizes outside the Tontine. Ex-Hawick Cornet Ben Graham winning the Beltane Bell for a third year running.

Cornet's Lass Jo said: "My throat is sore from all the singing and shouting but it's been amazing. Dancing the Reel was definitely my highlight of the night followed closely by riding along the High Street, picking out people I know in the crowd.

"The installation was brilliant too, although I did stab myself in the finger when I was bussing the ribbon but thankfully I carried on.

"The night just went so quickly, blink and you miss it but I'll be buzzing off it for a long time to come."

Beltane Wednesday was then offically ended but the festivities and fun continued long into the wee hours.

Tweet

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 25 Jun 10

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @peeblesnews