No guarantees over future dates for staging of Lammas Market

The date for the Lammas Market in St Andrews could change again in future years despite confusion and anger over the timing of this year’s event, it has emerged.

The event, which is believed to be Scotland’s oldest surviving medieval street fair, will take place from Thursday August 10 to Tuesday August 15, although many locals were up in arms as it normally coincides with the second Tuesday in August – which this year is the eighth.

St Andrews councillor Brian Thomson raised the matter with council officers but confirmed there can be no guarantees it will revert to tradition.

“As most locals know, the dates are usually dictated by the tradition of the second Monday and Tuesday of August, however I’ve been further advised that the way the dates fall this year means that in order to fit in with the Showmen’s annual calendar, it requires to be held on the second Monday and third Tuesday,” he said.

“This year’s dates were set at the Lammas Liaison Group meeting last September, which is attended by the Showmen’s Guild, council officers, the emergency services and local bodies, and the date was published on Fife Direct.

“Subject to confirmation from the Showmen’s Guild, next year’s Lammas will also be late, with the first Monday and Tuesday of August being the 13th and 14th.

“I can fully understand many people being annoyed about this year’s dates, and I’ve asked if it’s possible to ensure holding the Lammas outwith the traditional dates doesn’t happen again,” said the councillor.

“However, it’s been made clear the dates are set by the Showmen’s Guild to fit with their diary.”