Pump paraphernalia gets in the way of Common Riding route
Last updated 21:47, Wednesday, 02 April 2008
AULD Langholm – A Backward Glance, a splendid slide show which ran for two nights in the Buccleuch Centre, was a huge success.
Showing a selection of slides from the extensive archive group selection, it was both informative and entertaining and the lively banter of presenters David McVittie and Billy Young delighted appreciative audiences.
Many of the pictures took us down a nostalgic memory lane showing how Langholm had changed over the years. Buildings which had been demolished and historical relics such as the Mercat Cross and the Marble Man were pictured in their original positions in the Market Place.
I wonder how many people in the audience realised that outside the Buccleuch Centre is a listed monument which appears to attract little attention, despite the fact that it is an important feature of the Common Riding.
By tradition and as described in the ceremonial section of the official Common Riding programme, after the Cornet is presented with the flag, the procession “then proceeds by way of the High Street and Thomas Telford Road, round the Buccleuch Square pump”.
The barley banna leads the procession and the emblem bearer and his followers walk round the pump.
But problems have arisen with the erection of water hydrants and a large electric/telephone metal box in close proximity to the pump as well as a flower-bed and shrubs, all of which will obstruct the traditional walk round the pump.
As fewer people participate in this first procession of the day and the Cornet and his cavalcade take a wide detour around the hall, many may not be aware of the significance of the route taken by the banna.
The recently-installed utilities are both unsightly and potentially dangerous to the procession.
It may be a small part of the Common Riding but it is important that the old tradition should not be compromised just because of the thoughtless positioning of these no doubt essential utilities which could easily be located elsewhere.
Apart from this, the carved pump ought to be valued and cherished for itself as part of Langholm’s built heritage described by Historic Scotland as a significant “late 18th century, free-standing octagonal (ashlar) shaft with four cast-iron lion-mask spouts, cornice and chalice-shaped finial” which places it in the B-listed category.
I hope that the Langholm Fook will rally round to safeguard tradition and make sure that in future years old and young will continue to “gan roon the pump”.
Betty Little
Eskdaill Street
Langholm
