CELEBRATIONS are under way with our neighbours in Penicuik as Hunter and Lass Week begins.

The festivities started on Sunday, May 14 with the Hunter and Lass talent show.

And they will continue this weekend with the family bike ride and the junior disco tomorrow (Saturday) and the car show on Sunday.

Then the official Hunter and Lass Week will begin on Tuesday, May 23 with Penicuik Hunter Gordon Anderson and his Lass Emma Anderson visiting local schools in the town.

Installation Night will be held on Thursday, May 25 and the week will draw to a close on Friday and Saturday with the Hunter and Lass Ball on May 26 and Festival Day – which includes the ride out, parade and Penicuik in the Park – on Saturday, May 27.

Gordon and Emma, who have been married for almost 19 years and have three children together, were announced as this year’s Hunter and Lass in January.

So far this year the couple have enjoyed visiting introduction nights in towns around the Borders, including in West Linton and Innerleithen.

Gordon, who is a senior engineer with RA Cox Garage Equipment, said: “It’s a great honour for us both to be given the opportunity to represent Penicuik for the coming year, and to be able to share the experience with my wife is amazing, we can’t wait to visit the other Borders towns, meeting new people and celebrating the different traditions they have.”

Emma, who has worked as a DPD delivery driver for the past four years, added: “My customers have all been lovely since finding out that I was going to be the Hunter’s Lass this year.

“I am looking forward to doing this journey with him by my side.

“We have three children, Lewis, Sophie and Dillon.

“They are looking forward to supporting us this year. It’s an absolute honour to be Hunter’s Lass 2023. I am looking forward to representing Penicuik around the towns throughout the Common Riding community.

“We hope we inspire others to come forward in years to come.”

This year’s Junior Hunter and Hunter’s Lass are Mason Davidson and Jessica Fraser, both from Mauricewood Primary School.

Mason said: “I am so excited to have been selected to represent Mauricewood as Penicuik Junior Hunter for 2023. I’ve always wanted to be it! I’m looking forward to all the events and celebrations I get to be part of with Jessica.”

Jessica added: “I was very excited to be asked to be Junior Lass and represent Mauricewood Primary School. I can’t wait to join in with all the activities, I am especially excited to see the horses.”

For more information and updates, visit the Penicuik Hunter and Lass Facebook page.