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

At the Introduction Concert last Friday, Whipman Play Society president Gareth Edwards introduced Tanny Gill as Whipman Elect and his wife Jill as his Lass.

Tanny, who grew up in Pune, India, moved to the Isle of Mull in 2003 where he began his cheesemaking career and met his wife Jill.

Now the couple and their two daughters live in West Linton.

Tanny works as director of cheese at Clark’s Speciality Foods, based in Penicuik, and judges annually at various awards ceremonies.

Speaking after the Concert, Tanny and Jill said: “We are delighted to be nominated as Whipman and Lass elect for 2024.

“To be asked to fill this role is such an honour and we look forward to travelling the Borders across the summer ahead, representing West Linton and meeting fellow principals.

“We hope to see you all on the Green in West Linton during Whipman Week.”

Jill grew up on the Isles of Islay and Mull, and now works as a respiratory physiotherapist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, specialising in chronic lung disease and dysfunctional breathing.

Tanny and Jill moved to the village in 2011 and their daughters – 12-year-old India, and Aarti, who is eight – have both been keen participants in the Whipman Festival, with India taking on the role of Flower Girl in 2017.

At last week’s concert Hamish McAllister, who is in P7, was named as Barony Herald, Charlotte Murgatroyd, who is nearly five years old, was announced as 2024 Flower Girl, and Anne Weir will be Presenting Lady.

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

Whipman Week 2024 will take place from Friday, May 31 to Saturday, June 8, with the The Whipman Rideout on Saturday, June 1.

The Junior Rideout will be on Sunday, May 26.

The programme for Whipman Week 2024 is now available from local shops in the village.