THE summer’s festival celebrations have already begun in West Linton as this year’s Whipman principals have been announced.

At the Whipman Introduction Concert last Friday (March 31), Whipman Play Society president Alan Stewart introduced Fraser Kay as Whipman Elect and his wife Vikki as his Lass.

Fraser, who grew up in Broughton but who now lives in West Linton with his family, works on a farm in Leadburn where he has his own flock of sheep.

Speaking after the Concert, Fraser said: “Vikki are I are delighted and honoured to have been chosen to represent West Linton as Whipman and Lass for 2023.

“I’d like to thank everyone who nominated me and for all the well wishes and kind words so far. We are both really looking forward to the summer ahead and representing the village at other towns throughout the Borders.

“If you see us out and about please stop and say hello and we hope to see you all on The Green on the first week in June for another fantastic Whipman week.”

Vikki grew up in Musselburgh, and now works in the oncology department at Western General Hospital.

Fraser and Vikki married in 2012 and have two children together – seven-year-old Murray, and Eilidh, who is four.

At the concert Joshua White, who is in P7, was named as Barony Herald, five-year-old Lennix Wright was announced as 2023 Flower Girl, and Sheila Forsyth will be Presenting Lady.

The introduction concert was packed with great entertainment from singing and dancing to comedy sketches.

A Whipman spokesperson said: “After a lapse of four years the Whipman Introduction Concert was back again last Friday with a great show. Alan Stewart, President, welcomed everyone and introduced Ian Reid, the MC for the evening.

“Well done to all the children from West Linton and Newlands Primary Schools who provided a great start to the night with a sing-a-long. This was followed by duo Lauren & Liss on the ukelele with some great songs. Dance@Studio21 have been regular performers for many years at our Introduction evenings and they put on a great show.

“Torcull Kennedy again a familiar face at all Whipman events provided a variety of songs with the first half finishing off with the Fish wives of West Linton, our Whipman’s Lasses sketch which was funny as always. The second half saw the Ex Whipman give their take on ‘Oz’ again a show with plenty of laughter.

“This part of the evening finished off with the Young Farmers ‘Two guys, one ball’.

“The evening concluded with the the big reveal of the Whipman Principals for 2023.”

The Whipman Rideout 2023 will be on Saturday, June 3.