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.
 

A Lanimer Tale

by Elspeth Riddet

My grandfather, one Robert Forrest,
And his friend, a smith, Halliday,
Used to carry the birks round
Lanark on Lanimer Day.

The birks were then decorated,
(But how or why I know not.)
At least so Grandfather told me,
And he said many prizes they'd got.

Now it happened one night before Lanimers,
When at last their day's work was all done,
The rapscallions had met together
To relax and have lots of fun.

"Are ye cairryin' a birk in the Lanimers
When we've a day off frae oor job?"
Halliday asked of my grandpa.
"I don't know," answered young Rob.

"I don't know what I'll be doing.
I hadna gi'en it a thought;
An' onywey at this time o' evening
Where could a birk be got?"

"I ken whaur we'll get them," said Halliday.
"That is nae problem at a'."
So into a garden (hey ventured,
Cut two down, an' stole them awa".

They spent the hale night in the smiddy
And adorned their birks with great care.
Then carried them round the procession -
And won the first prize for best pair!

From his pub the owner approached them,
"I'll buy your birks if you care.
I'd like them for a wee decoration
To stand at my door over there."

They handed the birks over gladly
And made their escape with great glee,
For his was the garden they'd raided
And cut down and stolen the trees!

Such is the tale Grandpa told me
Each year as the revels began.
Is it true? I just cannot tell you,
But perhaps there is someone who can.