The wait for the first Guid Nychburris since 2019 is almost over.
The installation of the principals took place on Monday night at the Midsteeple with a good crowd managing to avoid the rain.
Speeches from outgoing and new principals were given on the steps of the Plainstanes with Provost Tracey Little wishing everyone well for the big weekend.
Following the speeches Dumfries Pipe Band and Dumfries Town Band led the procession, which featured Cornet Ross Findlater and his Lass for 2022, Robyn Peden, on to The Usual Place where the installation continued.
MC Kenny McCall was presented with a golden watch to commemorate 50 straight years of involvement with Guid Nychburris. Mr McCall has held many roles with the event and started off as a lynor in 1972 before being a courier, cornet, town clerk and involved in various other capacities.
Due to a two-year gap because of Covid-19, principals who would have celebrated their 25th and 50th anniversaries in 2020 and last year were presented with Jubilee medals on Monday night. All characters for this year’s event were also given commemorative Jubilee and 90th anniversary medals to mark the occasion.
The first ever Queen of the South from North West Community Campus will be Kady Kirkpatrick. She was presented the Solley Rosebowl by Christine Anderson with Lisa Rowe.
Kady’s attendants tomorrow will be Derri Love and Casey Gilmour with Kloe Turner and Carys Wilson her key-bearers.
Robert Neill, Cameron Robertson, William Black and Ross Boyd are the lynors for 2022. Dr Ranjit Thomas will serve as the pursuivant with Lewis Fraser the courier for this year. Keith Donaldson, Gordon Nichol, Neil Sturrock and Robert Kennedy will be the Pursuivant’s Men.
The Guid Nychbur and junior Guid Nychbur awards were also presented. Jim Stewart received the award for his voluntary work with youth football in the area.
Known as “Papa Jim” to many young players, he has dedicated his own time every weekend to open the 3G pitches at Dumfries High School to ensure youngsters have a safe place to play.
He is a well-known face at the 3G pitches and by giving up his time he has given young people of all ages the chance to play every weekend for almost 10 years.
St Joseph’s College pupil Beth Wright Hall won the junior award.
The 12-year-old, described as a “kind, caring and community-spirited” girl volunteers two hours a week at Dumfries School of Dance to support younger children and also dedicated time each week at Dumfries Hockey Club and Greystone Rovers.
Beth has also raised money for charity by cutting her hair off for the Little Princess Trust and takes part in litter picking to protect the environment.
Guid Nychburris Festival Association chairman John Caskie said: “It’s been a long time coming around but we’ve been welcomed back.
“We’ve put as much effort in as we can and we can’t wait.
“We will also be thinking of everyone who can’t be with us this weekend after the last two years we’ve had.
“We’re really looking forward to the weekend.”
For more details see the Guid Nychburris Association Facebook page.
