The wannabes going head-to-head include pharmacist Dawn Anderson;experienced rider Joanne Howatson; 21-year-old Kimberly Porteous; rideout stalwart Mary Ann Bell-Irving, and Elaine Dougan, who hopes it will be third time lucky for her after applying twice before.
This year’s Lass will be announced on March 11 following a town vote at Lockerbie Town Hall from 6 pm to 8 pm. (Dawn Anderson is missing from group shot as she was unable to attend the photo shoot.)
Meet the would-be Lasses…
PHARMACIST Dawn Anderson has been riding since the age of four.
The 23-year-old has a long history with the Gala and ROM, having served as a small attendant in 1998 and taking part in every Gala on horseback since -only taking time out when completing her masters degree.
She said: “It would be a great privilege to be the first one in my family to have the role and to represent my town.”
If selected Dawn will ride her steed Toby proudly through Lockerbie High Street come Gala Day.
THE youngest Cornet’s Lass nominee, Elaine Dougan, hopes 2016 will be her year. Elaine, 20, a medical receptionist, has twice previously put herself forward for the title – in 2014 and 2015.
Hoping to lead the cavalcade this year, she said: “Many people will be thinking my face is familiar and I’m hoping this year will be third time lucky!”
She added: “I have been supporting the Gala since I was months old and taken part in the rideouts since owning my own pony.
“This is a long held dream of mine and here’s hoping everyone comes out and votes to help my dream come true.”
WITH 20 years of riding experience under her belt, Joanne Howatson believes she would make a top notch Cornet’s Lass.
The 24-year-old, who works as a dispensing assistant at Well Pharmacy has taken part in every ROM since she was four.
She said: “My dad and uncle have been both Cornet and Standard Bearer and my cousin has been Cornet’s Lass.
“It has been a life-long ambition to lead the cavalcade.”
Joanne, who stood for election last year, hopes to ride her horse Ceri on the day if selected.
TWENTY-ONE-year-old Kimberly Porteous works professionally with horses five days a week.
The ex Lockerbie Academy student works alongside a small team at Chariots of Fire Driving Centre in Boreland, helping to encourage disabled people to develop carriage driving skills.
She said: “I would like to be Cornet’s Lass this year as I have supported the Gala and Riding of the Marches for many years and would like to represent my home town.”
Four members of Kimberly’s family have served as principals over the years and Kimberly wants to follow in their footsteps.
LOCKERBIE girl Mary Ann Bell-Irving has her heart set on representing her town.
The self-employed 28-year-old has years of rideout experience under her belt and has seen many friends take on principal roles over the years.
She said: “I think being Cornet’s Lass would just be a fabulous way to represent the town, it would be such an honour to lead the cavalcade.”
When asked what she is most looking forward to, if elected, she added: “The whole shebang. Everything from the ride outs to visiting other towns.
“I would be over the moon to be selected.”
