Hunter’s Report
What an unexpected year it has been, firstly unbeknown to me I was secretly nominated by my
brother for Penicuik Hunter 2015. After my initial shock of being approached by our chairwoman
Carol Lumsden confirming my interest, I gathered my thoughts and suddenly became excited at the
possibility of being Penicuik Hunter. Not long after that infamous phone call from Carol I found
myself sitting in front of the interview panel and on reflection not really remembering what I was
asked and what I said, I left. A strange Sunday afternoon pursued with my family where I found
myself getting nervous in anticipation of the outcome – will I won’t I be the Hunter this year. A knock
at the door late afternoon could only mean one thing the committee had decided my fate, the letter
handed to me with a smile gave nothing away and I nervously opened the letter to read the good
news. Thereafter I was informed that Gillian had been chosen as Penicuik’s Hunter’s Lass and
introductions between Gillian and I came swiftly after.
Without too much time to let the news sink in I found myself on my way to Tower Farm riding
stables, the next week, where my crash course in horse riding continued. Having completed
numerous beginner lessons the year before with my daughter it was time to bring my horse riding
skills up to a level so that I was competent and capable of taking part in the ride-outs in Penicuik and
beyond, how little I knew what would lie ahead on the horse riding front.
From that week on my diary suddenly filled with invites to other town’s introduction and sashing
nights. We visited Annan, Sanqhuar and Berwick Upon-Tweed at the end of March where we were
welcomed with open arms into their official sashing ceremonies and then it was on to our
introduction night on the 28th March where both Gillian and I were overwhelmed with the support
and turnout from family, friends and other principals past and present and to be given our elect sash
in front of such a great support was just fantastic and an insight into what was to come.
April arrived where we continued with our visits, along with Craig and Lisa we found ourselves
heading to West Linton, Coldstream, Edinburgh, Duns, Berwick Upon-Tweed and Peebles to name
but a few. Seeing all the traditions and history behind each town was something I will never forget.
April came and went in a flash and on the 1st of May Gillian and I headed down to Berwick UponTweed to take part in our first ride out together as Penicuik Hunter and Lass Elect. We took part in
Berwick’s riding of the bounds that day and since it was the towns 900th anniversary of becoming a
Royal Burgh it was something special and a day to remember. That same evening we headed over to
Yetholm to their introduction night, another fantastic celebration.
The last week in May and our town’s festival week had arrived. We started off with the family bike
ride and Penicuik’s Got Talent on the Saturday, with the Classic car show and tennis club competition
on the Sunday, what a weekend. The following day we commenced our programme of local visits to
the towns Primary Schools and many other local support groups where we all received a very warm
welcome. The Monday evening was the football extravaganza where ladies teams from all over
Penicuik took part and then the two under 13’s Penicuik Athletic Youth FC girls teams came on to
show them how it’s done, finishing of the evening with the men’s final, another great night
supported by the people of Penicuik.
Tuesday arrived and we continued with our visits and then it happened, our midweek ride out was
upon us, an absolutely amazing ride out had by all, riding throughout the moors surrounding our
town was just fantastic.
In great Penicuik tradition the Wednesday was wet and wild, weather wise, but we all managed to
complete the pram race dressed as super heroes.
Thursday was to be a memorable one, our installation was an amazing experience, even the weather
cleared for us to be up on the stage... standing up in front of the people of Penicuik, friends and
family , taking our declaration to represent the town of Penicuik far and wide was emotional, but
most importantly a great honour.
Friday was spent finishing off our local visits and judging the town shop window displays. Then on to
the Hunters Ball at night, so many visiting principals, friends, family and past Hunter's and their Lass's
came along to make it such a great night.
Saturday morning, before sun rise, we were getting our riding gear ready, my house was full and I
think most of my neighbours lined the street for when the horses came to pick me up. We then led
the ride out up to Penicuik Estate where we were greeted by Sir Robert and Lady Faye Clerk. The
traditional horn blowing ceremony took place with the ancient ceremonial horn and at special
request by Sir Clerk we were invited to get our pictures taken in front of the newly refurbished
Penicuik House, most definitely one for hanging on the wall. From Penicuik Estate we led the ride up
and over the Bonnie Pentland Hills to Currie and back, what an amazing feeling coming back over the
Pentland Hills from Currie riding down the Kings Hill to Flotterstone and the house of Muir, it felt like
we were trotting in the footsteps of our ancestors and King Robert the Bruce. As if the rideout in
such a historical place was not moving enough we then set off to lead Penicuik Parade. I have taken
part in Penicuik Parade many times before but nothing could have prepared me for what was to
meet us in the streets of Penicuik. The streets were lined ten deep and the noise was just incredible,
what an honour it was to lead the town parade on horseback.
Penicuik Hunter and Lass week was over in a flash but our summer was just starting.
June arrived and we found ourselves heading off to West Linton for their Whipman installation and
ride out, followed by Peebles ride out and the Beltane festival. Finishing off June was the Hunter and
Lass horse show, another great day and a first for me.
July was filled with visits, kirking’s, balls and horse ride outs, at one point I thought I was going to
meet myself coming backwards. Annan, Duns, Innerleithen , Moffat, Kelso/Yetholm and Mussleburgh
nearly broke me but I survived to take on August.
August we went camping in Coldstream and took part in the famous battle of Flodden ride out and
what an experience riding up the battle field to the cheering crowds it was. Standing on top of
Flodden Hill where so many people perished during the great battle was something I will never
forget. Finishing of August we attended Sanquhar festival day, Poppy Scotland fund raising event and
the Penicuik street fair.
September we attended the Edinburgh Ball and the riding of the marches where the climax was
riding up the Royal Mile to the cheer of thousands. Finishing off September was Lanark’s anniversary
ride, 675 years since it became a Royal Burgh, one of the main highlights for me was the 100+ horses
racing round Lanark race course.
October was to bring my final event of the year on a horse, Kelso Principals race day arrived and the
nerves kicked in, all I will say on this is that it was a great experience being a jockey for the day but
safe to say I did not win the race!!!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family whole heartedly for their support throughout
the year as I would not have been able to do it all without them. And to Gillian my lass we have had a
ball and here’s to our lifelong friendship and everlasting connection as being Penicuik Hunter and
Lass 2015.
My final thanks are to the Penicuik Hunter and Lass committee, without them my year in office
would not have been possible, their hard work and dedication is exemplary and I thank each and
every one of them.