Keep up to date with the Beltane News! (updated 15/06/10)

The Peebles Beltane Festival Cornet

THE CORNET 2010 - Fin Barber

The new set of colours to be nailed to the Beltane Flag in June will belong to local electrician, Fin Barber. The Cornet-Elect was unveiled along with his Lass, Jo Cassidy, recently in the Burgh Hall. Fin has been a regular supporter of the Beltane all his life having filled a variety of roles such as toy soldier, dwarf and royal archer when he was a child.

Age 28, Fin has lived all his life in Peebles and is the son of Isla Barber. He was educated at Priorsford Primary School and Peebles High School. Upon leaving school Fin took up an apprenticeship with Scottish Borders Council as an electrician, leaving in 2003 to set up his own electrical contracting business and is also involved with Peebles TV Services.
 
Fin is a member of Lothian & Borders Fire Service as retained fire-fighter something he has enjoyed for the past two years. Horses are new to Fin having only taking up riding three weeks prior to being introduced as Cornet Elect. He assures us he will be an accomplished horseman by the Beltane Week. Other likes are swimming, skiing and socialising - but doesn't get much time for any of it. 

On Introduction night Fin said: "I'd like to thank the committee for the trust and confidence they have shown in me. It's a superb honour, one that I'm still trying to get my head around to be honest. I promise to carry out my duties with the utmost honour, dedication and commitment. It really has been amazing so far, tonight has been brilliant and everyone has given me so much support already.” "I'm really looking forward to representing the town at all the other Borders festivals but, of course, carrying the Burgh Standard around Peebles will be the highlight of it all."

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

CORNETS LASS 2010 - Jo Cassidy

Cornet Elect 2010 Lass Jo, is equally well-known around the town as co-proprietor of popular Peebles High Street watering hole, The Crown Hotel.  The tender age of 29, Jo moved to Peebles with her Mum (Susan) and Dad (Peter) aged 4 – She has one older sister Nicola and younger brother Christopher. Jo was educated at Kingsland Primary and Peebles High School.
 
As a partner in the family business which is now in its 3rd generation of family ownership, Jo is also a keen tennis player - she started aged 5 - and has played ladies border league since age of 13. The captain of Peebles Lawn tennis Club which won league in 2008, Jo still plays for Peebles in National League and mixed for Peebles but also plays 1st division at Braids Club in Edinburgh.
 
With no end of talent Jo is also a keen horsewoman and has ridden marches regularly for the last 16, only missing three, since the age of 13. She also won the Buick trophy in 2007.

She said: "It is with great pride and privilege that I accept the position of Cornet Elect's Lass. I'd always hoped growing up that I'd be involved one day. It’s a great honour and I can't wait to support Fin in representing Peebles around the Borders."