A FORMER president of the Honest Toun’s Association – organisers of the Musselburgh Festival – has been called on to step in after so many committee members left that the group was unable to make any decisions.

With the announcement of the candidates for this year’s Honest Lad and Lass less than two months away, the association has been left reeling by the departure of president Tom Edgar and other key committee members.

They stepped down after the row which broke out after a 16-stone weight restriction on potential candidates was made public.

It is understood among those to leave was secretary Vicky Davitt.

Now Neil Wilson, past president and local businessman, has agreed to help out as acting president to ensure this year’s events go ahead as planned.

Trouble broke out last month as the 16-stone weight restriction – which has been in place at the stables where the horses for the Honest Lad and Lass come from for a number of years – was widely reported, as the committee discussed writing it into the rules for nomination.

Marjory McNaughton, who owns Edinburgh and Lasswade Riding Centre, which supplies the mounts, said: “The ban has been here for a long time, we normally inform candidates when they apply.

“It is just that this year the committee decided to include it in the description.

“It’s a horse welfare issue, that is all.” Although there was no suggestion that either of last year’s Honest Lad or Lass – Callum Buchan and Laura Paterson – had been over the weight limit, or that any horses had been injured, the families of the pair were said to have reacted angrily to the national publicity the news received.

It was said to have been particuarly distressing for Honest Lad Callum, who had been celebrating a family first with his role – his mother and sister have both previously held the Honest Lass titles, so his election won them a hat-trick.

A family friend of the Buchans said: “It was such a shame that what should have been a wonderful achievement for the family was muddied.” No one from the HTA has responded to the Courier’s attempts to contact them.

Musselburgh West councillor John McNeil welcomed the intervention of Mr Wilson, saying it would ensure that the traditions of the town would continue this summer.

Mr McNeil said: “The committee did not have a quorom, so Neil has stepped in, and after speaking to the acting president I am delighted they can now get on with Musselburgh’s fine traditions and put this unfortunate incident behind them.” The annual riding festival has been held in Musselburgh for 78 years and involves more then 100 riders going through the streets of the town.

The Honest Lad and Lass can expect to remain on horseback for up to six hours and are expected to take part in a traditional gallop or canter along the beach.

Candidates for this year’s title will be unveiled at an introduction night on April 11, in the Honest Toun.