Every year, on the Thursday between June 6th and June 12th, Lanimer Day is celebrated in the town of Lanark in central Scotland. It originally started as a one-day observance but has now grown into a week-long celebration. It has come to include parades, crowning of a queen and horseracing.

The idea of Lanimer Day began after King David I of Scotland granted royal charters to several burghs in the early 12th century, they became known as Royal Burghs. The burghs had to examine march stones every year to basically ensure that they were staying within their boundaries. These became known as land marches. It was thought to be an honor to be the person chosen to examine the stones and now it is performed by the Lord Cornet who is chosen by a committee including town councillors and the Lord Cornet's Club.

In 1893, the first Lanimer Queen was chosen. This has continued to this day. They queen is elected by her peers from local grammar and primary schools. The queen plays a large part in the ceremonies; she takes part in the parade, she is crowned in a public ceremony and she presides over two balls.

Lanimer Day is a huge holiday in Lanark; the schools are closed and people stay home from work. The pubs also open early on that day.

Here is a short run-down of Lanimer Week:

Sunday
Kirkin' of the Lord Cornet - Participants, including the Lord Cornet, meet at Lanark Memorial Hall at 11:40 and march to St. Nicholas Parish Church for a service; they then march down to Hope Street and give some speeches.

Monday
Perambulation of the Marches - This starts at 6pm and is led by the Lord Cornet and former Lord Cornets’; they walk the countryside to the north checking the march stones. This is a walk of almost 3 1/2 miles. Anyone who wants to take part can follow along.

Shifting of the Standard - Once the participants return from checking the march stones, the former Lord Cornet returns the Burgh Standard (or flag) and gives a speech about his year in office. The standard is passed to the current Lord Cornet and he is also given his sash of office. After this, they move on to Castlebank Park where they hold footraces followed by a reception.

Tuesday
Lanimer Ball - This is a formal affair; everyone is welcome to attend if they have a ticket. The Lanimer Queen is escorted by the Lord Cornet.

Wednesday
Evening Ride Out - The Lord Cornet, and former Lord Cornets' examine the march stones on the west, east and south sides of the town on horseback. This is followed by horse races. The Lanimer Queen is then presented with a loving cup.

Thursday
Collection of the Lord Cornet - He is collected by the Police Mounted Branch and brought to the Memorial Hall.
Procession - The Lord Cornet and his entourage march down the main street, where they are met by marching bands and they continue to the crowning of the Lanimer Queen.
Crowning of the Lanimer Queen - The Queen is crowned in a very elaborate ceremony downtown.
Afternoon Ride Out and Declaration - The checking of the march stones is completed and the Lord Cornet makes a report on whether or not they were where they should have been.
Tattoo - This consists of a small military band concert.
Lanimer Queen's Reception - The Queen and her court perform dances throughout the evening. Other children who took part in the procession will sing or dance.

Friday
Lanimer Queen's Reception - Similar to the Thursday night reception.