Loraine Swan takes helm of Lanark Lanimers

Loraine succeeds outgoing chairman Millar Stoddart, who completed his second three-year stint in charge, and she was delighted to accept the post.

She said: “I am both honoured and humbled to be the chairperson.

“However, I can’t emphasise enough the work that the other members of the commitee and the various Lanimer stalwarts who come together do to make Lanimers the success that it is.

“I know I will enjoy working with them; it’s a real privilege for me.”

Loraine took part in Lanimer entries from the age of three until she was 15.

She was then involved in entries from 1971 until now via Cairns Sunday School and then the Kilninie Club.

She also supported entries from the Albany Playgroup and Stanmore House School where Loraine worked for over 27 years, initially as a teacher and then as depute head.

While a member of the Lanimer Committee, Loraine has had a number of roles including entertainments convenor, Lanimer Treats convenor and became procession convenor eight years ago.

In 1990 she was chosen as Crowning Lady and she became vice-chairwoman three years ago.

Outside of her various Lanimer roles, Loraine has been a Sunday School teacher at Cairns/Greyfriars Church for over 50 years and serves on the Session as an Elder.

She is volunteer manager of Stanmore Holiday Playscheme, is vice-chairwoman of Lanark U3A and enjoys organising theatre outings.She and her husband, David, also enjoy babysitting their four grandchildren.

Loraine added: “David has been a great support to me over the years allowing me to do all of these things.

“I’m going to continue to enjoy the Lanimers and hopefully encourage even more entrants to take part.”

Outgoing Lanimer chairman Millar Stoddart said: “I have had a terrific three years. We’ve had three wonderful Lanimer Days and the support I have received from the committee has been outstanding. My sincere thanks go to everyone involved in making the Lanimers the best procession of its kind in Scotland.”