The Whipman 2023 – Fraser Kay
Fraser grew up on 
a farm near Broughton attending Broughton Primary School and laterally Peebles High. After school he studied Gamekeeping at Borders College and first moved to the village to work as a Gamekeeper in 2006.
He now lives in West Linton with his wife Vikki and 2 children, Murray aged 7 and Eilidh aged 4. Fraser enjoys all aspects of country life and now works on a farm near Leadburn. He has his own flock of sheep that he shows in the summer months and enjoys working his Labradors in the winter during the shooting season.
Fraser has fond memories of Whipman week as a child and has supported the Festival since moving to the village, judging the dog show in 2019 and following up the ride, proving support on a quad bike. This year however, he is looking forward to riding up front, this time on horseback, proudly representing the village as Linton Whipman 2023
The Whipman’s Lass 2023 – Vikki Kay
Vikki was brought up and educated in Musselburgh. She attended QMU where she qualified as a radiotherapist in 2008 and works in oncology at the Western General Hospital where she hopes to finish her masters qualification later this year.
Vikki and Fraser married in 2012, moving to West Linton the following year. They have two children, Murray (7) and Eilidh (4). The family enjoy village life and are often seen walking their dogs and tending to Vikki’s pony, Tricksy. Vikki is also an active member of the first responder initiative running within the village.
Vikki is no stranger to the common riding circuit having previously ridden and participated in many of the other border towns celebrations. She is looking forward to experiencing Whipman from a different perspective this year and representing West Linton throughout the summer alongside Fraser.
Barony Herald 2023 – Joshua White
Joshua lives with his mum, dad, and younger brother Tom. Joshua has a pet gerbil called Jeffrey, and also helps look after the family Labrador, Bundy. Joshua is currently in P7 at West Linton Primary School and in his spare time plays football with Hotspurs Colts, as well as enjoying swimming regularly and learning to play piano and drums. He is a blue belt in karate and working on his next one up. Joshua is a Scout with the West Linton Scout Group and has previously participated in the Cubs float as part of the Whipman.
He is a keen mountain biker, enjoys other sports like basketball, making Lego creations and can often be found trading Pokémon cards with his friends!
Joshua likes the bike race and sports day at Whipman, plus spending time on the funfair
rides with his friends.
Flower Girl 2023 – Lennix Wright
Lennix is 5 years old and lives with her mum, dad and little brother Campbell.
Lennix goes to Newlands Kids Nursery. She loves going to the woods and the polytunnels where she helps to plant seeds, veg and fruit and likes to learn how they grow.
She loves her gymnastics, dance classes and swimming lessons. Lennix also enjoys drawing, colouring in and arts and crafts and playing with friends.
Presenting Lady 2023 – Sheila Forsyth
Sheila is a West Linton girl and the Forsyth family go back many generations. Sheila’s parents, Bob and Jenny were Linton Whipman and Lass in 1939 and remained in office during the War time years until 1949. Sheila’s brother Neil and Lass Fiona were Whipman and Lass in 1984 and nephew, Gregor in 2006. Sheila’s Mum, Jenny was also a Presenting Lady in 1989 on her 50th Anniversary. In her early years Sheila was a Flower Girl when the Whipman was held at the Pantiles.
Sheila’s working life was in Edinburgh mainly with The Royal Bank of Scotland as a Personal Assistant at their offices at 14 George Street and South Gyle. Sheila has been involved in various village organisations over the years and these days keeps herself busy walking, gardening and has for many years volunteered in the office of the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. As Whipman Secretary this keeps Sheila busy too!
Sheila was delighted to be asked to be Presenting Lady for 2023 and wishes everyone a very happy and enjoyable Whipman.