PEEBLES' Beltane Festival has been cancelled because of coronavirus for the second year in a row.

The secretary of the festival committee, George Blair, issued a statement on social media on Friday, January 22.

Mr Blair said it had been a “very difficult” decision, but it was made following advice from Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Government. 

Mr Blair’s statement in full

 

"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 for the townsfolk of Royal & Ancient Burgh of Peebles.

"For the health and wellbeing of those same townsfolk, the Beltane Committee took the difficult decision last year to cancel festivities. 

"This was the first time since 1899 that a Beltane Queen had not been crowned, while, other than the war years, the first time that a Cornet had not been appointed.

"Unfortunately we still find ourselves gripped by the coronavirus pandemic and while we can still see light at the end of the tunnel with regard to the vaccine roll-out, it’s understood that the country will still be operating under the tiered restrictions until the majority of the population has been vaccinated.

"We have therefore made the very difficult decision not to appoint principals, including the Beltane Queen and Court, and CANCEL Beltane for 2021.

"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 2021 in some way later in the year."