Two-year wait worth it for Penicuik Hunter and Lass

The latest Penicuik Hunter and Lass have had to wait two years to take up their roles due to the pandemic and are excited the annual week of events will now take place.

Penicuik Hunter and Lass elect 2022, Duncan Whitson and Kelly Lorimer.

With the 2020 and 2021 events cancelled due to Covid restrictions, Penicuik couple Kelly Lorimer (41) and Duncan Whitson (59) will end their long wait when the popular town festival returns at the end of May.

Kelly, a team leader at the nearby SRUC on the Bush Estate, said: “It’s been a long time coming. I’m a bit anxious, but now it’s starting to get closer and we are so excited.

"I’m actually from Bilston but I was schooled in Penicuik, my friends were all from Penicuik and when I reached drinking age we went out in Penicuik. It’s my town.

Kelly and Duncan (centre) with Penicuik Hunter and Lass 2019 Fraser Howie and Izzy McNiff.

"Hunter and Lass is something I have been part of for as long as I remember. I used to come here as a child and watch the parade. I have been riding since I was three. When I was 14/ 15 I was doing the ride outs and always said I wanted to be the Hunter’s Lass.

"But I moved away from the area so forgot about it, and then since I got back 10/11 years ago I have got right back into it. I have done the Penicuik rides and quite a few of the Borders towns. I have been quite involved with organising the pram race and other stuff. So the next step was to go for it and here I am.

"I’m excited. I can’t wait to be part of it and hopefully we will do our town proud. My family are really excited and think it’s a great honour. My mum and dad are really proud of me, they can’t wait.”

Kelly and Duncan have been together for about eight years and live together with their three kids.

HGV driver Duncan (59) said: “I’m very excited. Although I’m originally from Edinburgh I have stayed in Penicuik for about seven or eight years, having worked there previously on the doors. It’s home now.

"I’m settled here and I’m proud to represent the town with Kelly. My family is happy as well.

"We are just glad it is finally happening. We were elected a couple of years ago but lockdown stopped it so I’m just glad things are getting back to normal and Hunter and Lass can go ahead again.

"We just want to get on with it now as it’s been so long waiting."