FESTIVAL organisers in Peebles say they will not tolerate participants “blackening” their faces.

The Beltane committee published a statement on June 7 after social media users expressed disappointment that some revellers had worn “ethnic makeup” over the years.

Beltane organisers said in their statement: “We can confirm that the committee has not and will never condone or tolerate anyone taking part in our fancy dress competition and parade who has blackened their face.”

In the statement, the committee says it has recently been asked to review “cultural appropriation” and “blackening” of faces, adding that it is seeking help from a lawyer to make sure its guidance on equality matters is appropriate.

However, the statement says there are some changes which “cannot happen overnight”.

In an attempt to offer clarification, the committee’s secretary George Blair told this newspaper: "These are committee decisions. Our committee can't operate over Zoom as some are not tech-savvy.”

He added: "If we were to withdraw 100 costumes, we'd have to replace them with something different.

"Some of the issues raised are valid and we're going to change these things."

The committee says it did not receive a complaint before its recent annual general meeting, going on to express disappointment that any concerns were not put forward directly.

Looking to the future, Mr Blair, 54, encourages people to contact the committee with any complaints, including those around racism and racist behaviour.

He said: "We want everyone to be on the same side.

"Peebles is a predominantly white town, but anyone of any creed or colour can join us.

"We'd love to see more people."

Changes to costuming at the festival were made in 1990 when complaints were lodged over the 'Nursery Rhymes Come to Life' dress-up theme where 'golliwog' costumes were worn – and subsequently banned.

Recently, an online petition has been circulated asking the committee to make further changes to its costume guidelines. The committee says it will do this before next year’s event.