PEEBLES Beltane Festival and Innerleithen’s St Ronan’s Border Games have both fallen victim to coronavirus.
The annual events will not take place this year.
George Blair, Secretary of Peebles March Riding & Beltane Queen Festival Committee, said: “Since the resurrection of the Riding of the Marches in 1897, and the introduction of the Beltane Queen Festival in 1899, our focus has been for the enjoyment and benefit of the townsfolk of the Royal Burgh of Peebles.
“Similarly, for the health and wellbeing of those same townsfolk, we have made the difficult decision not to appoint principals, including the Beltane Queen and Court, and cancel Beltane for this year.
“This decision has been made in line with other festivals throughout the South of Scotland, together with advice from Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Council.
“We are of course hugely aware of the history and traditions of our town, and hope that as the year progresses and restrictions are relaxed, we can mark Beltane 2020 in some way.”
A spokesperson for St Ronan’s Border Games said the coronavirus pandemic made it “impossible” to ensure the “health, safety and enjoyment” of townsfolk.
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