THERE will be no Honest Lad elected this Friday to serve Musselburgh, as had been planned.

In a shock move, town residents will only be able to elect an Honest Lass.

In a tradition dating back to 1936, an Honest Lad and Lass have been chosen annually to represent the town for the week-long Musselburgh Festival celebrations.

But just three days before the election, organisers announced on social media this evening that the sole candidate for Honest Lad, Daniel Simpson, 20, would not be standing.

"By mutual consent, it has been agreed that the current candidate for Honest Lad 2022 will no longer be presented for election," said the Honest Toun's Association.

No reason was given for the decision but all images and information relating to Daniel have been removed from the association's website and social media channels and he was not named in the statement.

The Courier has been told by organisers that the position of Honest Lad will "remain unfilled although it may be filled at a later date."

East Lothian Courier: All information and images of Daniel Simpson, such as this Facebook post, have now been removed from the Musselburgh Festival's online channelsAll information and images of Daniel Simpson, such as this Facebook post, have now been removed from the Musselburgh Festival's online channels

 

On Friday, there will still be an election for the position of Honest Lass 2022: with residents able to vote online or in person at the Brunton Hall.

Standing for Honest Lass are Abby Pickles and Amy Rooke.

The successful Honest Lass candidate will be announced on Friday at 8pm outside the Brunton Hall - though in what is thought to be a first in the history of the Musselburgh Festival, there will be no Honest Lad alongside the Honest Lass.

Because of this, it has been decided that the traditional Honest Lad and Lass carriage procession through the town on election evening will not take place at all.

Alison Elgin, Honest Toun's Association president, said: "We are so looking forward to celebrating our festival again after two years' [absence due to Covid] and hope that everyone gets behind our official party."

The Courier has requested more information on the circumstances surrounding the non-election of an Honest Lad this Friday.