THE 2024 Honest Lad and Honest Lass will be publicly announced on the steps of the Old Town Hall in Musselburgh tomorrow (Friday) – a month earlier than usual.

The successful candidates will follow in the footsteps of the 2023 Honest Lad Aidan McLaren and Honest Lass Ellen Brown to undertake duties during the Musselburgh Festival, July 20-28, along with participating in common ridings, festivals and gala events across Scotland.

Dating back to 1936, the annual celebration honours the traditions of the town and seeks to bring the community together.

As happened last year, the traditional public vote will not take place.

Organisers the Honest Toun’s Association (HTA) decided to change the procedure and the positions are now decided by a selection panel of community representatives, including representatives from the 2016 Riding of the Marches; local youth organisations; primary and secondary schools; community councils including Wallyford and Whitecraig; churches; community police; working professionals and volunteers within the EH21 postcode.

HTA president Alistair Barclay said at the time of the change last year that the new process allowed candidates to participate in the selection process outside the public eye, which could be “intimidating and unnerving”.

Brought forward

The announcement has been switched from the steps of the Brunton Hall on Ladywell Way to the steps of the Old Town Hall on High Street – parts of the Brunton Hall are currently closed following a roof survey.

Mr Barclay said the organisers decided to hold the event on the steps of the Old Town Hall because of its close proximity to Loretto Church Hall on Newbigging, where the election night dance will be held afterwards.

He said: “At the Honest Toun’s Association annual general meeting, it was decided to bring the traditional ‘election night’ forward by a month. Amongst many aspects, this was to preserve the mystery around the chosen two without a lengthy period of time between interviews and appointments.

“In the fast-paced way of life we are accustomed to in Musselburgh, it also gives the candidates time to prepare, by ensuring they have adequate holidays from studies or employment to prepare and execute their duties. This also means that Musselburgh does not clash with any other towns’ picking nights, allowing a full support from our neighbouring towns.

“It is the intention to hold the election night and dance on the last Friday in March annually. This year, the date falls on Good Friday. We also have difficulty gaining access to suitable buildings and locations.”

The Clark Community Choir will sing at 7pm tomorrow. The local Boys’ Brigade pipe band will play for the official party as they dance the eightsome reel with senior pupils from Musselburgh Grammar School at the bottom of the Old Town Hall steps and Mercat Cross.

In addition to a disco at the dance, there will be entertainment from folk band Drouthy Neebours. The price is £5 cash-only entry on the door or, for booking online, see the Musselburgh Festival Facebook page.