The 2016 Principals for Wigtown Riding of The Marches have been announced – Marshall-Lyndsay Wilson, Cornet’s-Lass Hannah Burns, Cornet-Martin Wallace and Ensign-Mhairi McConnell.
The Wigtown Kirkin of the Cornet & Principles Sunday will take place on 19 June at Wigtown Parish Church. The highlight of the weekend the Wigtown Cornet’s Ball Friday 1st July at the Wigtown County Buildings followed on the Saturday 2nd of July by Wigtown’s Riding of The Marches .
Cornet – Martin Wallace(37) Beef and Sheep farmer from Whitehills farm Sorbie. Married and father to 3 children. Martin is a keen sportsman and plays for and coaches Newton Stewart RFC 1st XV. He is also a keen golfer and is past Captain and club champion at St Medan golf club. Having grown up with horses Martin used to be an active member of the Galloway pony club. He competed in all disciplines but had most success in Tetrathalon(shooting, swimming, running and x-country) Martin Told DGWGO ” Although it has been some time since I have been in the saddle, I am very honoured to the Cornet this year and I am looking forward to the whole experience.”
Cornet’s Lass – Hannah Burns (25) of Barwhirran, Newton Stewart. Hannah works at East Knockbrex Dairy Farm, milking the herd of 500 Montpelier Cows. Hannah is a keen Machars YFC member and is also a past Secretary of Stewartry YFC originally hailing from Castle Douglas. Horses are a huge part of Hannah’s life as she spends the summer months competing her two competition horses far and wide in the show ring! Hannah told DGWGO “To have been elected as Wigtown Cornet’s Lass is a huge honour for me as I have dreamed of being a Cornet’s Lass for as long as I can remember.” Hannah has rode at Rideout’s and Marches across the region for many years now and cannot wait to represent Wigtown this year!
Marshall- Lyndsay Wilson age (24) of Low Glasnick farm Kirkcowan, Newton Stewart. Lyndsay works at the riverside day centre Newton Stewart , which is a registered charity with 200 member. Marshall told DGWGO “ I have been around horses for as along as I can remember learning to ride at Brighton riding centre with the McCall family, which then led me on to working at Calgow equestrian with Mrs Anne jolly were I gained lots of experience. I was Marshall the Wigtown ROM last year and it is brilliant to have the chance of remaining as Marshall again for a second year.“
Ensign- Mhairi McConnell (25) of Barnbarroch Farm, Whauphill. Mhairi works at Portequip, Newton Stewart looking after and riding Sam and Mabel Currie’s horses. Horses are very much a part of Mhairi’s life as she also has two at home that she competes . Mhaire told DGWGO “It is an honour to be asked back for a second year to Ensign at the Wigtown Riding of the Marches. Following into family footsteps Mhairi’s Uncle Jim and Uncle Frank McConnell use to ride at Wigtown 40 years ago.” Mhairi cannot wait to see the streets of Wigtown lined again for 2016.
