The crowning chair which has been used since the annual summer festival began 84 years ago has been refurbished, and was unveiled on Wednesday evening along with this year’s principals.
Cornet Elect for 2016 is Jordan McLatchie from Clarencefield, who said: “I’m over the moon.”
Having served as a lynor in 2012 to then Cornet Grant Anderson, 23-year-old council worker Jordan added: “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid.
“I first did the ride-outs when I was five. I’m proud to do it; my name will always be there as having been a Cornet.”
And Jordan’s family has a history with Guid Nychburris, with his father a lynor in 1985 and Pursuivant in 1997 and his brother a lynor in 2013.
Delighted to take on the role of Cornet’s Lass Elect is farm worker Rebecca Nelson from Ruthwell, who said: “What else can you say you’ve been involved in which is a tradition that’s lasted this long?
“It’s a great thing for the town and brings the whole community together.”
This year’s lynors are Craig Goldie, John Peat, Billy Hiddleston and Blair Hall Morrison.
Pursuivant is Callum Cameron, a veterinary surgeon from Lockerbie, with Gregor Irving as Courier.
Maxwelltown High provides the Queen and her attendants this year.
Queen of the South elect Eimear Smith was chosen from one of eight shortlisted candidates, and said: “I was shocked, because all of the girls are very nice.”
The 15-year-old from Lincluden added: “I couldn’t believe I was going to do it. I was an attendant in P7, and ever since then I’ve wanted to do this.”
Her attendants are Annisha Cunliffe and Ellis Murphy, with Jade Jardine and Abbie Deans as key bearers
Singer is 15-year-old Rebecca Bell, Emma Irving returns as bugler, but Douglas Meechan is the new drummer.
Looking ahead to this year’s festival, which culminates with Guid Nychburris Day on Saturday June 18, Dumfries Provost Ted Thompson said: “It brings people together, young and old, and shows that people do still have a pride in the town.”
