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 Lanimer Ode, 100 Years Old

In 1905 Thomas 'Wiggy' Reid wrote The Lanimer Ode. The onetime Headmaster of Lanark Grammar School by then owned a private school in Friar's Lane. His words were set to music by Robert Climmie, well known and respected local musician. For many years the ode was sung at the Lanimer Queen's Reception. Mr Climmie died in 1965 after a long musical career. Both gentlemen are buried in Lanark cemetery. The words and music may be viewed in Lanark Library.

(Courtesy of Mrs Mary Brownlie, niece of Mr Climmie)

LANIMER DAY ODE

Tis morn of June; at dawn of light
All buskit brave stands Wallace Wight;
And streets with streamers gay gleam bright,
With streamers gay gleam bright;
When Provost heads the March in state,
And tuneful bands step forth elate,
While old and young expectant wait;
The Lanimer March! Hurrah!
Hurrah! Hurrah! The Lanimer Day! Hurrah!

Tall birks fresh hewn from forest glade,
With leafy screen aloft displayed,
Shed floating, flickering light and shade,
Shed flickering light and shade;
Where Queen is crowned on cloth of gold,
And maidens fair her state uphold,
With pursuivant and herald bold;
The Lanimer Birks! Hurrah!
Hurrah! Hurrah! The Lanimer Day! Hurrah!

See Cornet, flag unfurled, lead
His cavalcade at breakneck speed,
To Lanark moor's broad level mead,
To moor's broad level mead;
there sports begin 'neath glorious sun,
On foot and horse the race is run,
And prize is lost and prize is won;
The Lanimer Sports! Hurrah
Hurrah! Hurrah! The Lanimer Day! Hurrah!

To crowded Cross, while bells resound,
The Town Clerk tells once more he found
The Burgh landmarks safe and sound,
All landmarks safe and sound;
At eve in court, at monarch's feet,
Gay page, and squire, with homage meet,
And princely grace, their sovereign greet;
The Lanimer Queen! Hurrah!
Hurrah! Hurrah! The Lanimer Day! Hurrah!

Old Lanark's Sons and Daughters share
One strong desire, where'er they fare,
To see the Lanimer March aince mair,
The Lanimer March aince mair.
"Should auld acquaintance be forgot?"
Nay, Lanimer Day, whate'er my lot
For thee I'll keep my fondest thought;
Old Lanimer Day! Hurrah!
Hurrah! Hurrah! Old Lanimer Day! Hurrah!
Hurrah! Hurrah! Old Lanimer Day! Hurrah!!

Words by:
THOMAS REID, MA
Teacher, Friars Lane, Lanark

Music by:
ROBERT CLIMIE, FRCO(CHM), LRAM, ARCM, MRST
Cairn Church Organist