Published: Thursday, 17th July, 2008 08:30
Festival week revival
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A FORGOTTEN ritual from Musselburgh Honest Toun’s Association (HTA) festival week – which fell into decline more than 30 years ago – is to be revived for next week’s festivities.
The once popular ‘Harbour Ceremony’ slipped off the festival schedule in 1976 following the collapse of the town’s fishing industry.
Attended by the Honest Lad and Lass, town leaders and members of the fishing community, the custom was designed to celebrate the town’s rich fishing heritage.
Now, more than three decades later, HTA chiefs intend to breathe new life into the flagging tradition.
And they have pencilled it into next Thursday’s itinerary.
“Originally it was to recognise the town’s importance as a fishing community,” said HTA president, Andrew Gordon.
“The last harbour ceremony was held five years before I was born so I must confess to not knowing much about it. But it’s an event which is steeped in history and our treasurer Jennifer Fairnie was keen for it to be reintroduced into the festival programme.”
HTA treasurer, Mrs Fairnie is one of the few remaining fishwives living in Musselburgh – husband Jamie still works on the boats off the coast of Peterhead.
A floating fishing museum – aboard a 70ft former herring drifter called the ‘Reaper’ – will sail from Anstruther to Fisherrow Harbour next Thursday morning as a new addition to the festival. Interested residents can board the vessel from 10am and take a tour.
Later that day, Honest Lad and Lass, Mark Lambert and Kimberly Riddoch, flanked by the HTA president, will sail on the twin mast boat into the Forth, before docking at 7.30pm for the Harbour Ceremony.
In keeping with tradition, local fishermen will then present the pair with a bowl of mussels to eat before speeches are made.
Local fishermen, members of Fisherrow Yacht Club, HTA delegates and town leaders are expected to attend.
The Reaper will depart Fisherrow Harbour next Friday.
The Honest Toun’s 72nd festival week kicks-off in familiar vein this Sunday with the ‘Kirkin’ parade leaving from the town hall at 10am followed by a service at St Michael’s Church.
After the service, in a sombre act of remembrance, the Honest Lad and Lass will lay the traditional anchor wreath at the old parish war memorial cross in homage to all those who died serving their country and community.
The thrilling Crusaders’ Chase gets off to a galloping pace on Monday. Led away from Mall Avenue by last year’s captain Jim McKeown, the group is expected to ford the Esk at around 5.55pm and reach Fa’side Castle by 7pm.
Later, the Crusaders’ dance swings into action at Eskmills Bowling Club from 10pm.
Former Church of Scotland moderator, the Rt Rev Sheilagh Kesting of St Andrew’s High Church, will perform the sashing ceremony of the Honest Lad and Lass on the banks of the River Esk, near the Roman bridge at 7pm on Wednesday.
The Burgh flag will then be officially presented to Honest Lad, Mark Lambert, by Councillor John Caldwell while the Honest Lass is presented with the jewelled riding crop.
In a colourful finale to the week, next Friday’s fancy dress parade moves off from Pinkie Road at 7pm – lorries must group at Ashgrove – and finishes at Fisherrow Links when everyone is invited to the attend the ‘Event in the Tent’.
Participants of next Saturday’s ride-out meet at 8.15am at Pinkie House, ready for departure at 9am. Later, all the family can enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the racecourse.
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