Lanark Lanimers

Every June the town of Lanark in Scotland holds its Lanimer celebrations. The festivities reach a high point on the Thursday of Lanimer week, when the town's schoolchildren parade in fancy dress with decorated vehicles, pipe bands, and a Lanimer Queen and her Court, who have been elected from local children.

The Lanimer celebrations are based on King David I (r. 1124 - 1153) granting Lanark the status of Royal Burgh during his reign. A condition of the charter stated that the merchants of the town must inspect their March or boundary stones each year. Lanark claims to have carried out this duty every year since then, and the Land Marches became transformed over time into the annual Lanimer celebrations.

Events in Lanimer Week

Lanimer week begins on Sunday when the Lord Cornet-Elect is led from the town's Memorial Hall to Saint Nicholas' Parish Church for the 'Kirkin' of the Cornet. On the Monday evening, crowds turn out for the Perambulation of the Marches, when officials and members of the public walk the boundaries. A Scottish country dance display takes place at Lanark Cross, followed by the Sashing of the Cornet and the Shifting of the Standard. The evening ends with the Lord Cornet's Reception. Tuesday sees the Lanimer Ball at a local hotel, (Lanark Market in 2009) when the Lord Cornet escorts the Lanimer Queen-Elect. An official ride-out around the March stones takes place on Wednesday night, followed by the presentation of the New Lanark Loving Cup to the Queen-Elect...
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