LANARK LANIMER DAY
An ancient celebration held within the Royal Burgh of Lanark on the Thursday between the Sixth and Twelfth days of June annually since the year 1140.
 

The Missing Years

by Leslie W Reid, Hon. Secretary

A unique and unexpected piece of treasure from the early days of the Lanimer Committee's history came to light last year, namely the Minute Book of 1907 to 1921, and I want to share some of it with you. Let us take a look at the workings of the Lanimer Committee, men of the town (there were no women in it), from almost a century ago.

Lanimers 1907-1921. The records provide a first hand account of the events which took place in the Lanimer Celebrations. I thought it appropriate to make some comparisons with those of the present day. At the beginning of each year's celebrations a meeting of the public inhabitants of the Royal Burgh took place to elect a committee to carry out the arrangements for Lanimer Day. This meeting was presided over by the Provost but he did not become the convener of the committee, this was invariably either one of the two Baillies or a Town Councillor. This event took place at the very end of April or the beginning of May, which meant that everything had to be organised in five or six weeks. Compare this to the present day when the first meeting of the Lanimer Committee is held at the beginning of January. A number of well known names came up repeatedly in the minutes for the period - Yuill, Rogers, Veitch and Robertson, whose descendants have played active roles in subsequent years.

In 1907 the Lanimer medals were only ordered on 8th May, compared to the present ten weeks. (Progress?). This was also the year of motorisation, the category of Best Decorated mechanised Lorry being introduced, with the following prize money awarded. 1st - £1 15/-, 2nd - £1 10/-, 3rd - £0 10/-. In addition Baillie Lamb made a request that all former Standard Bearers take part in the Lanimer Procession. According to the records only seven took part. William Robertson of 'Carrier' fame was the Lord Cornet.

In 1908 the Lanimer Queen was chosen in the second week in May. I believe the dresses were hired in those days. The Crowning Lady was chosen in the third week and this continued in future years. In 1909 the Town Council gave a grant of £10 to assist in financing the celebrations and granted the use of the Racecourse for the afternoon events together with the supply of birks. The main sources of income were subscription lists, rent of refreshment bars and admissions to stands at the Racecourse. On the subscription lists, each member of the committee was expected to canvas designated streets for donations; 22 individuals went round 23 streets. I suppose this was the forerunner to our Silver Club but without any prizes.

1913 Lanark's Military Band was this year's principal band and led the Queen's Procession. The band charged seven guineas for the day. Bunting was bought for the sum of £5 for the procession route which has not changed since that date.

1914 A.T.A. Prentice from Vancouver, Canada, together with other ex-Scots gifted the Vancouver Lanimer Cup for a competition at the Racecourse. Does anyone know where this cup is now? During the First World War years from 1915 to 1918 inclusive, only two of the historic traditions were retained, namely the appointment of Lord Cornet and the inspection of the Burgh boundaries including March Stones. The Lord Cornets were James Wood, plumber; Peter McAuslan, hosiery manufacturer; Robert Scott, saddler; John Veitch, baker. The first three gentlemen were serving in the army at the date of their appointments.

In 1919 the Queen's Court was increased almost to current size. The Lord Cornet was Dr Walter Elliott, the local Member of Parliament. The Procession consisted of 16 entries with five band participating; three pipe and two silver.

1920 For the first time the Procession started at 10.00am. The Town Council allowed the use of their horses and lorries for decorative purposes. William Tennant was Lord Cornet.

1921 The Queen was Mary D D MacAuslan (Molly) from Lanark Grammar School. The Town Council could not give any donations to the celebrations this years. The Minutes from 1922 until 1945 are still missing.