Honest Lad and Honest Lass confirmed for Musselburgh Festival

Jack McFarlane, a 20-year-old occupational therapy student from Wallyford, was last Friday evening named Honest Lad for 2022 after being co-opted as a candidate.

He will join Amy Rooke, 21, who was elected Honest Lass 2022 when the public went to the polls – both online for the first time and in person – at the Brunton Hall last Friday after a two-year gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Abby Pickles, 19, who also stood for Honest Lass, is this year’s attendant.

The result of the Honest Lass election was announced from the steps of the Brunton Hall last Friday evening.

The position of Honest Lad had been in doubt after the sole candidate, Daniel Simpson, withdrew “by mutual consent” just three days before the election.

Also making up the five-strong official party are the Honest Lad and Honest Lass from 2019, Aidan Maguire and Claire Dougal, who will give support.

The Honest Lad and Honest Lass play a key role during the annual Musselburgh Festival, which takes place at the end of July, and also represent the town at common ridings in the Scottish Borders.

Honest Lass 2022 Amy Rooke and Attendant Abby Pickles after last Friday's election

Alison Elgin, president of festival organisers the Honest Toun’s Association, said: “Friday was a great success and we were delighted to be able to announce both an Honest Lad and Honest Lass.

“We now have an official party of five who are more than capable of carrying out their duties and who will represent Musselburgh very well.

“Our new online voting system worked well and, with a few tweaks, we are confident that this will be a regular feature of election day going forward. The Musselburgh Festival committee are now working hard to organise festival week and we are hopeful that our community will come out and support the official party, and the festival.”

Jack, a former pupil of Wallyford Primary School and Musselburgh Grammar School, is now studying occupational therapy at Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, he spent his first year placement working in the Accident and Emergency Department at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and now feels that this may be the direction he wants his career to take.

A keen sportsman, he has played for Musselburgh Rugby Club from the age of 11. During his time at school and while at university Jack has volunteered and worked in a variety of community settings. He said he loved meeting people and doing what he could to help and support others.

He added that we was “very excited” about being Honest Lad and was looking forward to representing Musselburgh at festival week. He has “fond memories” of past festivals especially visits by the official party to his school. He said he was grateful to everyone for their good wishes since his announcement as Honest Lad.

Amy Rooke makes her victory speech on the steps of the Brunton Hall after being elected Honest Lass 2022

Amy, from Musselburgh, a former pupil of Stoneyhill Primary School and Musselburgh Grammar School, is both “overwhelmed and excited” after being elected Honest Lass, saying it “meant the world to her.”

Now working in her dream job at East Lothian Livery, she added: “I am looking forward to being part of the official party with Jack, Abby, Aidan and Claire.”

She said she was “thrilled” to be taking on a lead role in the festival and couldn’t wait to meet and greet the people who turned out to enjoy and support the week of events.

Abby, from Musselburgh, is a former pupil of Loretto RC Primary School and works at Equikro, an Equestrian store near Edinburgh Airport. She said she felt “very privileged” to be Attendant this year and, after the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, was looking forward to “a summer to remember.”

The Kirkin’ and Sashing ceremonies for this year’s festival will take place on Sunday, July 24. following by the traditional Crusaders’ Chase on Monday, July 25. The junior ride is planned for Tuesday, July 26, with the festival football tournament scheduled for the same day. A presentation night is on Wednesday, July 27, and a tea dance and the festival concert will both be held on Thursday, July 28. The fancy dress parade will take place on Friday, July 29, ahead of Festival Day on Saturday, July 30. It is hoped Harbour Ceremony Sunday will be held on Sunday, July 31, but confirmation is awaited.