The first Cornet was W.H. Williamson, the town treasurer, He rode the Marches seated on a brake and was accompanied by two mounted supporters. The position of the cornet was to ride the Burgh boundaries as history outlines and ensure the safety of the Royal and Ancient boundary enhabitants. The local committee at the time made an appeal to the local horsemen to support the Cornet and make a ‘Grand Display’. The photographic evidence of the time shows they did just that.

The Cornet is selected by the Committee from public submissions in the weeks leading up to the Beltane and usually selected around 8 weeks prior to Beltane Week.

The Johnstone family were the first to have a father and son as Cornet, a situation repeated in 2004. The honour of being the only two brother to be Cornet falls to Scott and Gary Anderson, in 1992 and 1994 respectively.

THE CORNET 2011 - Ewen Young

Ewen spent his early days in Eddleston before his family moved to Peebles. After leaving Peebles High school he attended Queen Margaret University where he obtained a BA in Media and Cultural studies. Ewen is currently employed by Black Circles, the local internet tyre company. He enjoys Golf and Music, especially playing his guitar. Though Ewen has never experienced the Riding of the Marches he is keen to get back in the saddle and has been eager for the time to arrive to allow him to undertake his new role

Upon being announced Ewen thanked the committee for being given the best opportunities and challenge of his life. Having enjoyed the Beltane Festival for so long I never believed one day I would be standing here as your Cornet Elect. It is very humbling and a very pleasant moment for me and my family. I have learnt so much from my supporters of the past few weeks. I could not wish for better supporters. I am committed to upholding the duties and traditions of being your Cornet and will do my utmost to you all to represent the town with enthusiasm and commitment. I will look forward to getting to know everybody here and be part of this very hard working team. Ewen then proceeded to announce his lass for 2011, Miss Laura Cox

Ewen and Laura will be ably assisted in their roles by Cornets Lass 2010, Jo Cassidy, Cornet and Lass 2009 Gareth Harrison and Laura Robson and Cornet and Lass 2008, Colin and Katy Noble.

THE CORNET’ LASS 2011 - Laura Cox

Laura was educated at Halyrude Primary and Peebles High School. After working in Thomas Cook the travel agents, Laura left to work for the Bank of Scotland. Based in the Peebles branch for the last three years Laura is currently assistant manager.

Laura’s family has a long tradition with the Beltane Festival, her grandparents Andrew and Jessie Hall were Cornet and Lass in 1957, her aunt Alison Connor was Cornets Lass in 2003.

The Cornet Elect and his Lass

Cornet Elect 2011 Ewen Young and his Lass Laura Cox

The Cornet Elect and his Supporters

(L-R) 2009 Cornet Gareth Harrison and Lass Laura Robson, , Cornets Lass 2010 Jo Cassidy, Cornet-Elect 2011 Ewen Young and Lass Laura Cox, 2008 Cornets Lass, Kate Noble and Cornet Colin Noble

[Home] [Principals] [Cornet] [Beltane Queen] [Crowning Lady] [Wardens] [Proclamation] [Beltane Week] [Committee] [The Past] [Pictures] [The Beltane Song] [Contact] [Beltane News] [Safety First]