Four worthy candidates have put their names forward for the election of Cornet. Ewan Patterson and Lloyd Johnstone stand for the fourth time, while Thomas Hope and Callum Henderson stand for the second time
All four 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 25 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 fourth 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 has been the starter for Langholm flapping for the last three seasons, taking over from his father. He also works in the Buck hotel, volunteers at the Social Club’s Children’s Parties and has recently joined the golf.
Ewan Alexander Patterson is 25 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 fourth 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 been a member of the Castle Craigs Committee for the last three years.
Thomas David Hope is 25 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 second 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 in 2023. Thomas has also attended other border Common Ridings and festivals on horseback.
In his spare time, Thomas plays rugby for Langholm, and is a member of Langholm Golf Club. He has also volunteered as referee for Langholm Youth Rugby events.
Callum Thomas Henderson is 24 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. This is Callum’s second 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.
Voting will be held at the Buccleuch Centre from 6pm until 8pm on Friday the 9th of May.
Taylors Funfair will be attendance at the Kilngreen for the festivities.
