Since 1897 the people of Peebles have celebrated annual ancient traditions knows as the Beltane Festival. There’s the crowning of a young lady of the town, and the appointment of a respected young man, known as the Cornet, who leads a cavalcade of horse riders out on parade around the town’s boundaries.

However, they say behind every great man is a great woman, and this week Reporter Hilary Scott, discovered the key to being a successful Cornet, is the Lasses by their side.

A SIMPLE chat in the Buchan Room of the Tontine Hotel some 25 years ago led to the formation of an association of women whose passion for the festival lasted way beyond their term of office.

In November 1994 the idea was first mooted as a fundraiser for sashes, and by the end of February the following year, the Cornets’ Lasses Association was born.

1990 Cornet’s Lass Linda Meikle has this year taken the reins as the chairperson.

Speaking to the Peeblesshire News, she took us back to the very beginning.

“Years ago the ladies only got sashes as Cornet Elect Lass and Cornet’s Lass, there was no sash as a supporter. Lorraine Haddow felt Peebles needed as association for Lasses as she had been to other towns representing Peebles but had no sash,” said Linda.

Linda credits 1991 Cornet’s Lass Fiona Blair, as an “invaluable asset” in forming the Association as the very first chairperson.

She said: “Fiona was instrumental in setting up the Association and keeping it going from strength to strength. The group was formed to raise money for sashes but over the years we have fundraised for local organisations in the town.”

This small band of Lasses, who only have one new member each year, have made massive contributions donating well over £5,000 to local causes, including the Beltane Festival, the Royal Burgh of Peebles Callants’ Club, Christmas Lights Association, Peebles March Riders, Bonnie Peebles, Peebles Bowling Club, the Rugby Club, UP2U, Rosetta Playgroup, Talking Peeblesshire News, and Peebles Parish Church.

They have also given their support to the local Scout and Guides organisations as well as charities such as the Scottish Autism Society, Breakthrough Breast Cancer Care, and the Alzheimer’s Society.

And they don’t mind breaking sweat for the good of the community.

In 2010 Ex-Cornet’s Lasses took part in a sponsored climb to raise funds for the access for all ramp at the Parish Church.

Three years later they set sail on a fundraiser which would honour the memory of Daniel (Dan) Ward, who trained the sailors for Red Letter Day. They donated money for the refurbishment of the lorry that carries the sailors, transforming it into a ship suitably named HMS Daniel T Ward.

When the big curtain reveal came for future Beltane principals at Introduction Night, the Association arranged for the Burgh Hall’s curtains to be replaced, providing a splendid backdrop for the festival’s finest as they graced the stage.

The Lasses also hold annual public events. A stall at the Three Bridges Fete in May, and a pub quiz which takes place on the Tuesday of Beltane Week.

Being the Cornet’s Lass means stepping out dressed to rival royalty and that comes with a hefty price tag.

Linda explained: “Over the years the lasses felt that a clothing fund would be a good idea. And, with the agreement of the Beltane Committee and the Callants, this is now a yearly grant. Many Lasses appreciate this as not all Cornets and Lasses are couples.”

These days the Cornet’s Lasses have access to a wide range of hats and gloves to borrow.

The role of Cornet’s Lass has evolved over the years, and with modern technology, it has become easier.

“We now have the luxury of the computer age which enables Lasses outwith Peebles to keep up to date with our events,” said Linda.

“When we chat, some of the newer Lasses struggle to imagine no group chats or mobile phones. All invites from Border towns were on paper and had to be replied to, a job usually done by the Cornet’s Lass. And there was fitting in clothes shopping, nowadays you can do that online.”

The overwhelming honour felt by these women year after year is evident by their emotional speeches and beaming smiles during Beltane Week.

Linda added: “Most Lasses form friendships for life with their supporters and Beltane Queens.”

In November, the Association holds a presentation night where the Crowning Lady presents the Cornet’s Lass with a sash that has her year embroidered on it. A memento is also given to the Lass celebrating her 25th year.

In the past there has been controversy surrounding women taking part in common ridings in Border towns. But like I said mentioned before, behind every man is a great woman. In Peebles they are the Cornet’s Lasses, who don their bowler hats, jodhpurs, and boots, and mount their steeds for the Riding of the Marches along with their Cornet.

And to those who think the role of a Cornet’s Lass is simply shopping for posh dresses, wide brimmed hats, dress gloves, and stilettos, that they are merely pretty women walkin’ down the street, well Big Mistake.

Big. Huge!