Mounted cornet with standard

Image: © Oliver Dixon Taken: 28 Oct 2011

Sanquhar is a place of great antiquity and was created a Royal Burgh in 1598. The Riding of the Marches in its present form dates from 1910. This sculpture was erected in 2010 to mark the centenary of the event. It stands beside the sports field on the north side of Sanquhar. The Sanquhar Cornets Song Our fair gem o’ Nithsdale, let nae man decry it, Tak pride in our birthright and ne’er bring it shame, We haud our heads high that we needna deny it, But tell the world gladly that Sanquhar’s our name! So here’s tae our Burgh – its romance and story, That kindle auld mem’ries o’ days that are gone; We pledge tae a future o’ still greater glory And raise a proud glass tae shout - ‘ON SANQUHAR ON!’ We’ve Provost and Baillies and Council tae guide us, Guid men we’ve elected mid public acclaim: Support and sustain them should ill times betide us, Let Sanquhar aye prosper; tae yet greater fame! So here’s tae…… There’s Cornet and Ensign o’ highest degree, Wi’ blyth Cornets Lass tae consort by their side; When dut’s rewarded, their token maun be - That Sanquhar aye minds them wi’ pleasure and pride. So here’s tae…… Then gather the Cornets, well mounted and ready, Tae set round the Marches, and stablish our claim, Ride true tae our forebears, be staunch sure and steady, Tae honour our Cornet and Sanquhar’s fair name. So here’s tae……

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