The wait for 91st edition of Guid Nychburris is almost over.
Preparations ramped up on Monday during the traditional installation event at the Midsteeple. Hundreds turned out to watch the principals arrive on the Plainstanes as they were sworn in for their duties.
Provost Maureen Johnstone wished everyone well for the week ahead as Dumfries Pipe Band and Dumfries Town Band led a procession of the installed principals to The Usual Place.
MC Kenny McCall welcomed everyone as Guid Nychburris Festival Association chairman John Caskie gave the loyal toast before Provost Johnstone toasted the cornet Robert Wyllie and his lass Ellie McKean.
Robert replied: “I’d like to thank everyone that’s come along this evening and supported us so far along our journey as it means a lot to us and we’re looking forward to the weekend. Let’s hope it cools down a bit.”
Ellie added: “I’d like to reiterate what Robert said and thank you for the support we’ve received so far and hopefully we have a great week.”
The Queen of the South this year is Ava Nosratzadeh from St Joseph’s College and on Monday night she was presented with the Solley Rose Bowl.
Her attendants on Saturday will be Niamh Stainthorpe and Eva Hope with Sophia Earle and Jessica McLean her key bearers and the singer, Louise Jones.
Ava said: “Thank you to everyone for all of your hard work so far and your words of encouragement and support and I wish everyone all the best for Saturday.”
The Guid Nychbur and junior Guid Nychbur awards were also presented. Pharmacist assistant Angela Corbett was given the honour this year for her care and thoughtfulness with people she serves, as well as her work in the community.
Angela said: “This was very unexpected. I’m not usually speechless but tonight I am.”
Senior pupils of Dumfries High School were given the junior award for volunteering at the Guid Nychburris football festival with Charlie Loughran and Rosie Ferguson picking up the award on their behalf.
The chases at Park Farm have been cancelled and only the principals will go up the Kingholm Gallop due to the heatwave. For details go to the Guid Nychburris Association’s Facebook page.
