For the first time since 1964, six worthy candidates have put their names forward for the election of Cornet. Ewan Patterson and Lloyd Johnstone stand for the third time, Jamie Gormley for the second, while Thomas Hope, Callum Henderson and Bailey Donaldson join them for their first time standing.
All six have a shared passion for Langholm Common Riding which is astonishing, and would each do Langholm proud.
It is a promising sign that so many of our young men have chosen to stand for Cornet, and stands the future of Langholm Common Riding in great stead. It goes to show that passion, enthusiasm, and love for Langholm Common Riding continues to grow and thrive across the generations.
Lloyd Johnstone is 24 and has his own roofing and fencing business, Johnstone Roofing & Fencing Services. He is the son of Jackie and ex-Cornet Andrew Johnstone, who carried the flag in 1989. This is Lloyd’s third time standing for cornet.
Lloyd joined the Castle Craigs in 2007 and has ridden the ride outs and Common Riding every year since. In 2016, he won the Castle Craigs Race at only sixteen.
Lloyd was the starter for Langholm and Hawick flapping last year, and also plays football for Langholm Legion.
Ewan Alexander Patterson is 24 and works as a Forestry Worker. His parents are David and Fiona Patterson, and his uncle David McVittie was cornet in 1996. This is Ewan’s third consecutive year standing for cornet.
He joined the Castle Craigs in 2017, before going on to ride the Benty and Castle Craigs in 2018, and riding the Benty, Craigs and the Common Riding in 2019. Ewan has also helped with the greybeards on the hill on Common Riding Day for a number of years.
Beyond the Common Riding, Ewan plays rugby for Langholm Rugby Club, as well as being an active member of the Social Club Pool Team. He has also volunteered at the Social Club Children’s Parties for a number of years.
Jamie Gormley is 31 and works as a Traffic Operative. He is the son of Norman Gormley, and brother to Lynda Denton. This is Jamie’s second year standing for Cornet.
Jamie joined the Castle Craigs in 2004 and has ridden the ride outs and Common Ridings since.
Outside the Common Riding, Jamie plays both rugby and cricket for Langholm’s respective teams, and has ridden in local flapping races. He is a member of Langholm Pipe Band, bar manager for Langholm Cricket Club, and serves on the Eskdale Pony Club Committee.
Thomas David Hope is 24 and works as an Agricultural Officer for the Scottish Government. His parents are David and Marion Hope. Both his parents have ridden the ride outs in the past, with David a member of the Castle Craigs. This is Thomas’s first year standing.
Thomas joined the Castle Craigs in 2011 when Lee Earsman was cornet, going on to ride the Common Riding in 2012 and has carried on riding ever since. He is also an active member of both the Common Riding and Castle Craigs, and took over as Common Riding Bar Convenor last year.
In his spare time, Thomas plays rugby for Langholm and Hawick, and is a member of Langholm Golf Club.
Callum Thomas Henderson is 23 and works as an Engineering Technician at McVities in Carlisle, as well as serving as a retained firefighter at Langholm Fire Station. His parents are Jackie and Neil Henderson. Like Thomas, this is Callum’s first year standing.
Callum first rode the Benty and joined the Castle Craigs in 2006 at only six years old, riding the Common Riding the same year. He has ridden every year since.
Callum is a keen rugby player and plays for Langholm RFC. He is also a member of Langholm Golf Club.
Bailey Kenneth Donaldson is 23 and works as a Bricklayer for L. Murray Construction. He is the son of Clare Latimer and ex-Cornet Kenneth Donaldson, who carried the flag in 1985. His grandfather Joe Donaldson was Cornet in 1956, and his uncle, Alan Donaldson, was Cornet in 1991.
He joined the Castle Craigs in 2010, and serves as a member of the Castle Craigs Committee.
Beyond the Common Riding, Bailey plays rugby for both Langholm and Hawick. He is also a keen golfer and cricketer.
Voting will be held at the Buccleuch Centre from 6pm until 8pm on Friday the 10th of May.
Taylors Funfair will be attendance at the Kilngreen for the festivities.
