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

The festivities started on Saturday, May 11 with Penicuik's Got Talent.

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 21 with Penicuik Hunter Josh Melrose and his Lass Vikki-Ann Lyon visiting local schools in the town.

Installation ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 23 and the week will draw to a close on Friday and Saturday with the Hunter and Lass Ball on May 24 and Festival Day – which includes the ride out, parade and Penicuik in the Park – on Saturday, May 25.

Josh and Vikki were announced as this year’s Hunter and Lass in January.

So far this year the pair have enjoyed visiting introduction nights in towns around the Borders, including in Peebles and Selkirk.

Josh, who works for Wetherspoons in Edinburgh, said: "It is an absolute honour to be selected as the Penicuik Hunter for 2024.

"It’s an amazing feeling to be given the opportunity to represent the community for the upcoming year and I can’t wait to visit many towns and meet some amazing people along the way."

Emma, who is a MRI Radiographer for Spire Healthcare at Shawfair Park Hospital, added: "It is a great honour and a privilege to be representing Penicuik as the Hunters Lass this year.

"I look forward to meeting lots of new people from around our common riding community and sharing in their annual festivities and traditions."

This year’s Junior Hunter and Hunter’s Lass are Mason Hamilton and Anna Davidson, both from Cuikend Primary School.

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