BELTANE-mania has once again swept through Peebles as the Principals are announced for 2010.

A new set of colours will be nailed to the Beltane Flag in June and they will belong to local electrician, Fin Barber.

The Cornet-Elect was unveiled along with his Lass, Jo Cassidy, 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 - George Tait as Warden of Neidpath, Catherine Hamilton as Crowning Lady and Barry Hughes as Warden of the Cross Kirk.

Fin is by no means a stranger to the Beltane having filled a variety of roles such as toy soldier, dwarf and royal archer when he was a child.

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 promise to carry out my duties with the utmost honour, dedication and commitment. It really has been amazing so far, Friday night was brilliant and everyone has given me so much support already.

"I'm really looking forward to representing the town at all the other Borders festivals but, of course, carrying the Burgh Standard around Peebles will be the main one." His Lass Jo, is equally well-known around the town as co-proprietor of High Street watering hole, The Crown Hotel.

Jo has also rode the marches since the age of thirteen and has taken part in the Beltane in a variety of roles.

She said: "It is with great pride and privilege that I accept the position of Cornet Elect's Lass. I'd always hoped growing up that I'd be involved one day. It' s a great honour and I can't wait to represent Peebles alongside Fin around the Borders." Fin and Jo will be ably assisted in their roles by 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 local haulier George Tait.

He said: "I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to be Warden of Neidpath. It's a fine honour for both me and my family.

"I am well aware of the high standards of past wardens and I will do my best to carry out my duties in a manner befitting the position.

"Hopefully 2010 will be a year to remember for us all and thankfully I've still a few weeks to prepare my speech." Crowning Lady, Catherine Hamilton, who works at Castle Warehouse in the Old Town, admitted she's glad that her secret was finally out.

She said: "It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep it to myself. To be asked came as a real surprise and I was delighted to accept. I'm really looking forward to it but I'm glad I don't have to learn how to horseride for it." The last position to be filled is that of Warden of the Cross Kirk and it was Barry Hughes, who's an elder in St Andrews Leckie Church, who was given this honour.

He said: "If I said I was overwhelmed it would be an understatement. My family and I have only lived in the area for six years so to be asked is a real honour.

"This I feel bears testimony to the welcoming spirit to be found in this community.

"I've already booked Beltane week off work and can't wait for it to begin." During the evening last Friday, Alistair Dodds, Beltane Committee chairman, presented Fin and Jo with their Cornet-Elect's sashes, George with his Warden-Elect's collar, and Catherine with her Crowning Lady's brooch.

The next announcement will be that of the Beltane Queen and her court on Wednesday May 19.

Beltane Week runs from Sunday June 20 to Saturday June 26.