Whuppity Scoorie

Not to be confused with Whuppity Stoorie.

Whuppity Scoorie
Observed byInhabitants of Lanark, Scotland
TypeCultural tradition
CelebrationsRun around a church, gifts (coins), storytelling
Begins1 March
Ends7 March
FrequencyAnnual

Whuppity Scoorie is a traditional festival dating from the early 19th century observed by people in Lanark, Scotland, on 1 March to celebrate the approach of spring. Local children gather around the local St Nicholas kirk where at 6 pm the wee bell is rung. This is the starting sign for the children to run around the church in a clockwise[1] direction, making noise and swinging paper balls on strings above their heads as they run.[2] It is no longer a race for safety reasons[3][4] and to increase fairness for the younger participants.[5] After three laps, they scramble for coins thrown by members of the Community Council who host the event.[6] The Community Council also hosts a "Whuppity Scoorie Storytelling Festival"[2] and art workshops after the event until 7 March.[7]

  1. ^ Archibald, Paul. "Whuppity Scoorie – Origins" (PDF). Royal Burgh of Lanark Museum Trust. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  2. ^ a b Duncan, Chik J. "Whuppity Scoorie Day". Bella Online. Retrieved 6 March 2007.
  3. ^ Gunning, Jay; McLellan, Jenna (2 March 2007). "We used an old custom to welcome spring". Newsround Online. Retrieved 6 March 2007.
  4. ^ "BBC filming Whuppity Scoorie". Lanark Today. 28 February 2007. Retrieved 6 March 2007. (also gives full names of Newsround reporters)
  5. ^ Wallace, Andrew. "Lanark Events – Whuppity Scoorie". Wallace in Lanark. William Wallace Heritage Trust. Retrieved 6 March 2007.
  6. ^ "Lanark". GENUKI. 29 December 2004. Retrieved 6 March 2007.
  7. ^ "Kids in festival runaround". Evening Times. 11 February 2004. p. 15.