Beltane-mania sweeps through Peebles
David O'Leary • Published 29 Apr 2011 09:30
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GOOD Friday turned into a great Friday for several locals as the Beltane Principals for 2011 were announced.
A new set of colours will be nailed to the Beltane Flag in June and they will belong to local tyre salesman, Ewen Young.
The Cornet-Elect was unveiled along with his Lass, Laura Cox, last Friday night in the Chambers Institution before taking to the stage at the traditional coffee evening and concert.
Of course, as is tradition, this year's other principals were also announced - John Campbell as Warden of Neidpath, Margaret Abbott as Crowning Lady and Rev. Jim Wallace as Warden of the Cross Kirk.
In a bizarre twist of fate, this year's Cornet Elect Ewen, had only recently gone about receiving riding lessons with a view to taking part in the riding of the marches this year.
He said: "I'd like to thank the committee for the trust and confidence they have shown in me. It's a superb honour, one that I'm still trying to get my head around to be honest.
"I'd only begun taking horseriding lessons because I wanted to have a go at riding the marches this year so to be asked to be Cornet is really amazing. I'm really looking forward to it, it should be great fun."
Ewen spent his early days in Eddleston, before his family moved to Peebles, where he attended Peebles High School.
On leaving school he attended Queen Margaret University, obtaining a BA in Media and Cultural Studies.
He then spent some time working in the licensing industry before taking up his current post with local tyre company, Blackcircles.
He enjoys playing golf and has represented Peebles at junior level and is also a keen guitarist and listener of music.
Ewen's Lass Laura was educated at Halyrude Primary and Peebles High School. She initially worked in Thomas Cook travel agents after leaving school but now works for the Bank of Scotland. She has been in the Peebles branch for the past three years and is currently assistant manager.
Beltane is part of her family history with her grandfather and grandmother, Andrew and Jessie Hall, being Cornet and Lass in 1957 and her aunt, Alison Connor being Cornet's Lass in 2003.
Ewen and Laura will be ably assisted in their roles by Jo Cassidy, Gareth Harrison and Laura Robson and Colin and Katy Noble.
Meanwhile the honour of giving the address beneath the imposing castle at Neidpath falls to well-known local businessman, John Campbell OBE.
John was born in Greenock and brought up on the family farm on the Cowal Peninsula. He and his wife, Catherine, moved to Glenrath Farm in 1961 and they celebrate 50 happy years of farming the Manor Valley next month.
His farm is a traditional hill farm but it was their moving into the production and marketing of eggs that saw the growth of their business to where it is today, employing some 200 staff and supplying 1.4 million eggs to major supermarkets.
He was even awarded an OBE in 2000 for his services to the poultry industry.
John was also involved in local politics for a number of years and was an original member of Tweeddale District Council, including nine years as convenor.
He said: "It's a great honour to be Warden of Neidpath, one I'm only too happy to carry out. I had a lot of involvement with the Beltane during my nine years as convenor and I'm glad to be given such a principal role in what is a fine festival."
Meanwhile the honour of Crowning Lady falls to Margaret Abbott. Margaret and her husband, Bob moved to Peebles some 35 years ago.
Born in Newton on leaving Dalkieth High School Margaret trained as a seamstress and dressmaker, taught by a court dressmaker, and has since helped to make many costumes for the Beltane Committee over the years including fairies and penguins.
She is also well known in various guises as an active participant in the fancy dress for almost 30 years with her friends.
She is also the current chair of Peebles Highland Games, a position she has held for the past four years.
This year's Boundary Reader is Ross Hunter, an associate partner with local solicitors, Cullen Kilshaw.
Born in Hawick, Ross attended Dundee University where he gained a diploma in Legal Practice. He practiced in Edinburgh and West Lothian for many years before moving to Innerleithen with his wife Jill and two children in 2003.
He takes an active part in the community in Innerleithen and is currently Chairman of Leithen Vale Sports Club, treasurer of Innerleithen Community Trust and secretary of Peeblesshire Charitable Trust.
The last position to be filled is that of Warden of the Cross Kirk and the honour of filling this prestigious role falls to Rev. Jim Wallace.
After almost 28 years of ministering in Peebles Jim is due to retire later this year and is absolutely delighted to be asked to be warden of the Cross Kirk in this his retirement year. This will also be his record breaking sixth time as Warden!
During the evening last Friday, Beltane Committee chairman, Alistair Doos presented Ewen and Laura with their Cornet-Elect and Lass sashes, and Margaret with her Crowning Lady's brooch.
The next announcement will be that of the Beltane Queen and her court on Wednesday May 18.
Beltane Week runs from Sunday June 19 to Saturday June 25.
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 29 Apr 11
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