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 Lightning Lanimer Experience

You've heard of the Annie McLeod Experience. I hope you've all been able to taste or will sample the Lightning Lanimer Experience. Although born in Lanark, worked in Lanark from 1987 to 1993, until 2003, I was always an on-looker at Lanimers. In 2003, Lanimer week took on a new perspective - 'Organise the Service for the "Kirkin of the Cornet-Elect", be here, be there, try and do this, be artistic - (me, that's a laugh), get this, get that.' I'm sure many of you, who are part of, or whose children are part of Lanimer week, even in a small way, know what that feels like. No matter how small a part we play in the festivities, it's hard not to get caught up in all the excitement and expectation of the celebrations. Even with all the extra bits and pieces, I'm sure like you, I wouldn't have wanted to miss it, for it was a wonderful experience.

That experience began on the Sunday and continued to the end of the week. Being part of the town, walking round the Marches, trying to catch up with the Cornets, (who stray off course to find the march stones etc), is absolutely wonderful, even if underfoot is a bit muddy, and then walking down the High Street behind the horses, with the crowds waiting for the Cornet-Elect and his entourage. It's great. To see the town joining together, uniting with a common interest, is marvellous. It makes Lanark feel particularly unique. On Lanimer Day itself, well, it's great - and how colourful the lorries and pageants are, all depends on the weather - perhaps this year, since Lanimers is a week later, then it might just be a little warmer or even drier - dare I risk saying that? Start praying NOW!

The atmosphere of Lanimers is special, even if it is wet and windy, for everyone is in awe of the effort and creativity of every entry in the procession - and it's great trying to say "Happy Lanimers" to everyone all the way round the route. I hope to be part of Lanimers for a long time to come. It's a privilege to be able to join in with everyone of all ages - for there is something for everyone to enjoy.

If we live in a town which is steeped in history, we ought to take part in it if we can, or if we're able to venture to the street at least, to savour the mood of the town on that day, because it introduces us to so many people, and allows us to see Lanark in a different light. If nothing else the wind blows the cobwebs away, along with the hats!

As this is written, costumes are being made, measurements taken, ideas developed further from the decisions taken the day after Lanimers last year. So with all that preparation, don't let it go to waste. Come and see the Lanimer Queen, her court, the Lord Cornet and of course all the children (and adults) who are all part of the procession. Savour the flavour of a Lightning Lanimer Experience in 2004. Come and enjoy yourself this Lanimer Day. Happy Lanimers to you all.

Rev Alison Meikle