FORMER pupils of Peebles High School have been unveiled as the Cornet Elect and Lass for 2017.

At the ceremony in Peebles Burgh Hall on Friday, April 28, Ross and Eilidh Falla, were welcomed as the new Cornet Elect and Lass.

Son of Margaret and John Falla, Ross has spent all his life in Peebles, and attended both Kingsland Primary and Peebles High, before attending Barony Campus to study Forestry.

He worked in a number of places after college including with John Schedler and at the Haystoun Estate under the 2015 Warden of Neidpath Eric Gilmour. In 2010, Ross set up his own business as a Landscape Gardner.

Away from work, Ross enjoys horse riding, walking and socialising.

Host and chairman of the event, Keith Brunton said: "Ross has ridden the Beltane twice but vowed never to get on a horse again after a 'particularly interesting ride' a couple of years ago. We are all glad he didn't stick to that one!

"Ross became part of his lass Eilidh's family fancy dress group in 2006 and has been found each Beltane Friday enjoying the parade to the full.

"Ross, congratulations on your selection and I wish you a happy and successful year in office."

The Falla family have a long history with the Beltane. Ross' uncle Michael Falla was Cornet in 1975 and his aunt Alison Falla was Beltane Queen in 1960.

Eilidh Falla, the cornet-elects Lass for 2017 is herself no stranger to the Beltane Festival.

Before her marriage to Ross last year, she was Eilidh Wilson, daughter of Robert and Doreen. Her aunt and uncle, Andrew and Joyce Williamson were Cornet and Lass in 1988, their daughter and Eildh's cousin Beth was Cornets Lass 2015 and her uncle Gordon Wilson was Cornet in 1996.

Like Ross, Eilidh attended both Kingsland and Peebles High before studying Social Care at the Borders College. On qualifying, she worked at the Hay Lodge and Dunwhinny and now works at an Elder Day centre in Newtongrange.

A keen horse rider, Eilidh has ridden the Beltane Wednesday as well as a number of other Border Festivals, where she rode in support of her cousin Beth during her year as Cornets Lass.

Keith added: "As well has her strong family ties to the Beltane, she also has a lifetime history of taking part. At school she was amongst others an Austrian Girl and one of the Ballies. She has been taking part in the Beltane Fancy Dress with her extended family since the age of three.

"Eilidh describes herself as being very excited at the prospect of the coming year."

Rev Calum McDougall of the Old Parish Church will return for the third time as Warden of the Cross Kirk.

He first held the position as Warden in 2003 alongside David Kilshaw.

Also announced in this year's lineup, David Kilshaw OBE will be Boundary Reader, Alan Duncan will be the Warden of Neidpath, and Jan Gordon will become the Crowning Lady.

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