East Lothian Courier | News | Birthday bonanza

Friday, 25th July, 2008

Published: Thursday, 1st May, 2008 08:05

Birthday bonanza

STUDENT teacher Mark Lambert received his best-ever birthday present by being voted Honest Lad – while for his Lass Kimberley Riddoch it was a case of third time lucky.

More than 200 people gathered on the steps of the Brunton Hall at 9pm last Friday to cheer the pair as the results were announced of the Honest Toun Association’s (HTA) elections.

And it was a double celebration for Mark – with the stroke of midnight marking his 20th birthday.

“Becoming Honest Lad was made even more special because it was a great birthday gift for me,” he said. “This is something I have wanted since I was young. I have taken part in the ride out before but it will be great to lead it.”

Mark is a former pupil of Campie Primary School and became vice-house captain in sixth year at Musselburgh Grammar School.

He works part-time for East Lothian Out of School Care Network, at Stoneyhill, Wallyford and Pinkie after school clubs and is currently studying at Edinburgh University to become a primary school teacher.

Mark’s family have a long-standing association with the HTA.

His grandmother, Anne Beveridge, was an attendant to the Honest Lass in 1950 while his grandfather Donald Macdonald was a co-opted attendant for the Honest Lad the following year.

Honest Lass, former attendant Kimberley Riddoch, 20, topped the poll at her third attempt.

Said Mark: “I was pleased that I won but I was over-the-moon for Kimberley because she has been involved for many years.”

Like Mark, Kimberley was also a pupil at Campie and Musselburgh Grammar.

She now runs her own business, ‘The Party Shack’, in Fisherrow.

A budding performer, she is a member of Musselburgh Amateur Musical Association and Loretto Youth Players.

She is also a pupil at the Mansfield School of Music and currently holds the title of Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year.

“It was a complete shock when I heard my name being announced.

“But it felt brilliant!” she said.

“I’m absolutely delighted. I have been involved in elections for the last three years so I guess it’s a case of third time lucky.

“I have really enjoyed taking part before and just want to keep doing it.”

The election result was announced by HTA president Andrew Gordon.

Mark and Kimberley were then carried – shoulder high – down the Brunton Theatre steps to an awaiting carriage.

The carriage was then pulled through the town by local Boys’ Brigade members before the pair returned to the Brunton Hall for the election night dance and a chorus of the Musselburgh song.

This year’s HTA festival week kicks off on Sunday, July 20.

Mark’s first official function will be a ‘Spurs Night’ tonight (Friday) where he will be introduced to previous year’s Honest Lads.

Tomorrow Mark and Kimberley will present the new ‘Festival School Shield’ to the winners of a local youth rugby match at Musselburgh rugby club.

Attendants for this year are Lachlan Thomson, Brian Lawrie (co-opted), Laura McFarlane and Nicola Hunter.

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