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.
 

Hats Will Be Worn

by Councillor Mary McNeill

When I came to live in Lanark in 1986 I was unaware that I was an incomplete being. I knew I was far from perfect because I had several good friends and a number of caring family members who made sure I knew my shortcomings.

However, I hadn't been in the town long before I learned that, as well as the failings which had already been brought to my attention I also had a character flaw which was absolutely irrevocable.

Now that I've been here for some time I've learned to live with the fact that I never can aspire to that happy state of completeness which comes as a result of being born in the Royal Burgh of Lanark. I've wondered for some time if more Lanark babies are born at home now that there is no maternity hospital or is 'being Lanark on both sides' enough to make you one of the elect?

I have to confess. I am not even Lanark on one side; I am a Glaswegian. And I am proud of it. Just as young Lanarkians are brought up on stories and traditions which encourage them to value their heritage, I was reared on Glasgow tales and took part in Glasgow Festivals. Perhaps it's the fondness I have for my own home city that enables me to value, appreciate and enjoy the pride that Lanarkians have in their town and its past.

Recently I was confessing to a lady my lack of pedigree and lamenting that I never would be able to claim the ultimate prize of describing myself as a Lanarkian. She quite took me by surprise by telling me there was one way of gaining such status.

'How can that be', I asked, 'When I was born in Glasgow?'

'Well', she replied, 'All you have to do is get buried here. But don't die in Lanimer week because they'll no' let you in the front door of the Kirk if they're building the stand for the Lanimers'.

In May 1999 I realised that I would be playing an official part in the Lanimer procession and I felt an obligation to get things right. Bad enough, I thought, to be a foreigner intruding on this special event - how awful it would be to offend people by being improperly attired.

So, in the interests of research I approached a lady of my acquaintance who is always the epitome of style and elegance on the Thursday 'falling ... between the 6th and the 12th of June inclusive'. (1)

We had a long discussion about The Dress ...

Then the Shoes ... 'It's a long walk. Make sure they are comfortable ... but, of course, they must be smart'.

I ask you, when did you ever see a pair of smart shoes that are comfortable? I've walked in three Lanimer processions now and I've yet to find them.

Then we got to The Hat ...

'I don't wear hats, what do you think people would say if I don't wear one on Lanimer day?'

The lady hunched her shoulders, closed her eyes, clasped her hands in prayer, and said, 'Mary ... just ... buy ... a ... hat.'

So I bought a hat!

(1) Lanimer day, Lanark 1570 to 1913 by Thos. Reid, M.A. pub. by Turnbull and Spears, Edinburgh.