Principal Characters
Principal Characters 2013:
Queen of the South: Rebbeca Irving
Iam currently a fourth year pupil at St. Joseph's College. I previously attended Georgetown Primary School where, in 2009, I had the honour of representing my school as an Junior Attendant. This was also the year that the last Queen was chosen from St. Joseph's College and it's great to have a role in Guid Nychburris once again.
I have been a committed member of Girlguiding since I was 7 years old and from this I have gained a lot of confidence and responsibility which should help me carry out the duties involved with my position. My hobbies include art and playing guitar. I am currently studying Standard Grade subjects at school and next year I will begin Higher studies. When I leave school I wish to follow a career in design.
I am very happy to have been elelcted at this year's Queen of the South and to represent my school as I have enjoyed the Guid Nychburris celebrations since I was young. I very much look forward to all of the forthcoming events and will carry out all of the duties associated with my role to the best of my ability and with a smile!
Queen of the South Party
Attendants
Julia Halliday
I am a fourth year pupil at St. Joseph's College. In Primary 7 I had the honour of representing St. Andrew's Primary School as a Junior Attendant. I look forward to being involved in the celebrations again this year. In my spare time, I dance at the Dumfries School of Dance and I also play piano.
Rheanna Ferguson
I am in my fourth year at St. Joseph's College. I previously attended St. Michael's Primary School and my favourite subjects are Biology and English. When I leave school, I hope to go to university and pursue a career in psychology. I enjoy the Guid Nychburris celebrations every year and I am very excited to take part, and take on my role as Attendant.
Key Bearers
Ellie Henderson
I previously attended Georgetown Primary School and I'm now a fourth year pupil at St. Joseph's College. My favourite subjects are French and English and when I leave school I hope to pursue a career in psychology. I watch the Guid Nychburris celebrations every year, so am very excited to be a Key Bearer in this year's event.
Jenny Rowe
I am in my fourth year at St. Joseph's College and previously attended Troqueer Primary School. My favourite subjects are Drama and Modern Studies. When I leave school my ambition is to study drama before progressing on to becoming a drama teacher. I am very honoured to have been chosen as a Key Bearer this year.
Senior Attendants
Sara Nicol - Maxwelltown High
Jade Wright - Dumfries Academy
Caitlin Stickland - Dumfries High School
Queens Bearers
Alex McCubbin Heathhall Prmary and Conall Anderson Laurieknowe Primary
Cornets Party
Cornet Elect: Bruce Blower
Born in Dumfries in 1989, I attended St. Ninian's Primary School then Dumfries Academy, after which in September 2007, I started a pre-farrier course at Oatridge College. I was a Lynor to Ross Johnstone in 2008 and then spent the next four and a half years working through my apprenticeship as a Farrier in Fife, before qualifying in February of this year. I have now started up my own Farrier business.
I have ridden horses since I was young and did my first rideout and Guid Nychburris aged seven on my 11hh pony Dusty. I have also been a member of Nithsdale Pony Club, representing the club at regional and championship level. Other interests include playing rugby, both club and district level, and I was also selected for the Scotland Under 17's.
I am very proud to be elected as Cornet. It has been a dream of mine for many years. I will be riding the family horse Lucy, who has partnered my brother Russel as Lynor in 2007 and as Cornet in 2010, and who I also rode as Lynor in 2008. Getting kitted out for the year will be no problem as my mum has Buckaroo Tack Shop.
Cornets Lass Elect: Cassie Cooney
My name is Cassie Cooney and I am 27 years old. I attended St. Joseph's College before studying equine management at the Barony College. I then attended the University of Glasgow where I attained a MA honours degree in Social Work and now work within Dumfries and Galloway as a Social Worker.
I have ridden since the age of 10 and I have supported Guid Nychburris throughout this time. I have been involved behind the scenes helping many friends who have held principal roles, and as a result I am well prepared for the hard work that being part of the festivities entails.
I was completely overwhelmed when I was asked to represent Dumfries as their Cornets Lass 2013. It is a true honour and I will endeavour to represent the town to the best of my abilities with the help and support of all my family and friends.
Lynor: Ben Radley
Ben is 18 years old and lives in Dumfries. He first rode Guid Nychburris when he was 7 years old. His family have supported the festival for many years, his aunt Helen (Grierson) was Cornets Lass in 1979, his mum Anne (Grierson) Cornets Lass in 1989 and his dad Scot was a Lynor in 1991. Ben went to Georgetown Primary School then attended Dumfries High School, thereafter he studied agriculture at the Barony College. Ben currently works for Alistair Martin at Horseholm, Dumfries. He is a keen member of Nithsdale Young Farmers and enjoys playing rugby for the Dumfries Saints. Ben is looking forward to supporting Bruce and Cassie during Guid Nychburris.
Lynor: Martin Smith
I was born in Dumfries 24 years ago and have lived here all my life. I attended St. Ninian's Primary School, along with Cornet Elect Bruce Blower, and then Wallace Hall Academy. I then took an apprenticeship with Lloyd Ltd as an Agricultural Engineer, during which time I studied at the Barony College. Now that I am qualified I am fortunate enough to have worked in New Zealand and Belgium.
When I'm not working I can usually be found at Park Farm playing rugby for Dumfries Saints or socialising with my friends.
I have always enjoyed the Guid Nychburris celebrations and am honoured to play a part in this years' celebrations. Since finding out I was to be a Lynor, I have been getting riding lessons from my sister Kerrie on her horse Dot, so however good or bad my riding is, I can blame her!
Lynor: Dale Mclatchie
I am 23 years old and live at Ruthwell Station. My dad Ian was a Lynor in 1985 and Pursuivant in 1997. My younger brother Jordan was also a Lynor last year. I first rode Guid Nychburris when I was 8. After attending Cummertrees Primary School and Annan Academy, I travelled to Australia for 18 months. I now work at the Powfoot Golf Hotel and the Black Bull in Lockerbie.
I am very much looking forward to getting back on a horse and supporting Bruce and Cassie this year.
Lynor: Ross Hyslop
I am 21 years old and only recently returned to my home town of Dumfries. I was a professional footballer for Scunthorpe United, Motherwell and Queen of the South, before suffering a serious injury which has ended my full time playing career. I now work as a Recruitment Consultant in Dumfries as well as playing football part-time for Gretna Football Club.
I attended Calside Primary School and Dumfries High School before moving to England aged 16 to play football professionally. I have always followed Guid Nychburris and last year took part in the rideouts for the first time. My dad Gordon was a Lynor in 1989, my uncle Gary Kempsell in 1985 and my other uncle Andy Bell was Cornet in 1987. I am a keen horse rider and will be riding my own 16.2 Irish Sports Horse, Mrs. Jones.
I am looking forward to this years' events, carrying out my Lynor duties and supporting Bruce and Cassie.
Pursuivant: Callum Rae
29 years old, live in Lockerbie with long term girlfriend Hannah. I grew up near Terregles and attended Laurieknowe Primary and Dumfries Academy.
I studied Architectural Technology at Edinburgh Napier University and worked for an architectural practice in Edinburgh for 3 years before returning to Dumfries to work for Smiths Gore in their Architecture and Building Surveying Department.
I first rode Guid Nychburris in 2010 as a pursuivants man for Andrew Cook- I am hoping for the guid weather that accompanied us on that day to return this year. In my spare time I enjoy country pursuits - I am Chairman of the Dumfriesshire & Stewartry Hunt Supporters Club. I also enjoy mountain biking, skiing and hill walking.
I am honoured to have been asked to be Pursuivant this year and look forward to Guid Nychburris 2013.
Pursuivant Men:
Andrew was born and brought up in Dumfries where much of his family still lives. He attended St Michael's Primary and Dumfries Academy, where he met this year's Pursuivant.
He went on to study Politics at Edinburgh University and now lives in Glasgow where he is currently working in a senior communications role with ScottishPower.
In what spare time he has Andrew enjoys running, skiing and sailing. He has only more recently begun horseriding but is looking forward to taking part in his first Guid Nychburris.
Shaun Anderson
Shaun was brought up in Eaglesfield and attended Eaglesfield Primary School and Lockerbie Academy before carrying out his building apprenticeship with LIP Construction, where he worked for 5 years. Shaun now works for the Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Foxhounds where he has been a keen supporter for many years. He is looking forward to being one of this years Pursuviants men.
Mark Douglas
I was born and raised in Edinburgh and moved to Dumfriesshire in 2005 having worked in racing yards in the South and trained Point-to-Pointers near Kelso. Since moving to Dumfriesshire my girlfriend Laura and I have established Chamfron Stud, breeding polo ponies and general riding horses. In my spare time I am a member of the T.A. and also enjoy shooting and country sports.
Ran Morgan
Ran Morgan was born and bred in Hoddom, Annandale. His father and
grandfather were both Cornet's. Ran is married with 2 children and lives in the
Borders. He works for estate Agents Knight Frank selling farms and estate in
Dumfriesshire and throughout Scotland. He is a keen horseman - follower
of the Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Foxhounds and former amateur Jockey.
Chairman: Robert Kennedy is also a past Cornet and Chairman of the Cornets Club.
Director of Riding. Andy Bell is also a past Cornet and Vice Chairman of the Cornets Club
Baillie: Andrew Wood
Ballie: Ivor Hyslop
Ballie: Maureen Mckerrow
Crowning Lady
Chaperones:
LORNA READ
I am delighted to be Chaperone for Becky and her Attendants at this years Guid Nychburris. The girls are so excited to represent both St. Joseph's College and their hometown. I am sure that their enthusiasm and big smiles will warm so many hearts during the forthcoming events. Having been chaperone before, I know there will be a hectic yet rewarding time ahead.
AMANDA BROWN
I am delighted and feel privileged to be accompanying Becky and her attendants during this years Guid Nychburris celebration, especially since this is my first time as Chaperone. The girls are honoured to be representing both St. Joseph's College and the Burgh of Dumfries and I am positive that through their commitment and motivation, they will help make the forthcoming events a joy for all who participate in this years celebrations. This is a marvellous experience for Becky, her attendants and also for me and I am very much looking forward to being involved in this very exciting opportunity.
Singer: Natalie Doidge
I am a fourth year pupil at St. Joseph's College and I went to Georgetown Primary School where Rebecca was our Junior Attendant. I am nervous but extremely excited to be a part of this years celebrations. I enjoy curling, singing and playing the guitar. When I leave school, I hope to pursue a career in chemistry or law.
Courier: Chris Beattie
Chris, aged 24 from Torthorwald, works on a self employed basis on local farms, having graduated from the Scottish Agricultural College at Edinburgh. Chris is currently the Chairman of Lower Nithsdale Young Farmers Club and a committee member of Dumfries Cornets Club, dealing with PR for the club. He was a Lynor in 2011 for Scott Cowan and is looking forward to his role as Courier.
Town Clerk: Kenny McCall is a previous Cornet and current vice chairman and Ceremonial Convenor for Guid Nychburris with his team of helpers. Kenny will continue his traditional role as town clerk for 2011.
Provost: Jack Groom "It gives me great pleasure to celebrate one of our best loved traditions. Guid Nychburris has alays been a fantastic experience and this year will be no different!"
