Red Hose events mark 500th race

Apr 24 2008 By George Topp

CARNWATH is planning to celebrate the 500th anniversary of what is officially acknowledged as the world’s oldest road race.

To mark the occasion, Carnwath’s Red Hose Race will, for this year only, allow runners from across South Lanarkshire.

Each year a race is run at Carnwath and the local Laird, Angus Lockhart of the Lee, must provide a pair of red stockings as the prize.

The origins of the race go back to 1508 when James IV gave a Charter of the Lands of Carnwath to John, third Lord Somerville.

There was probably a military reason for imposing this duty on the owners of Carnwath.

A fast runner could bring news of any approaching invasion from the south to Edinburgh, and the Red Hose would be the insignia by which he would be recognised.

A feudal duty like this may be compared to the common one of having to provide a number of men at arms when called to do so.

Down the centuries some of the traditions have disappeared, although the race must still be run to meet the requirements of the Crown Authorities.

This year, on June 22, the race organisers have decided to exceptionally open it to anyone over the age of 16 who lives in South Lanarkshire. There will be a race limit of 150 runners.

Any employee of the estate or of any of the estate tenants may also enter.

The race will be three miles, starting at John Mann Park and going via Kaimend to the Lang Wang and back to Carnwath.

On the day, the participants are asked to register between noon and 1.30pm as the race is scheduled to start at 2pm.

Would-be runners should visit the official website www.red hoserace.co.uk to find the application form. Copies are also available at Skaramanda jewellery shop or Neville newsagents, both in Carnwath, or from Sweet Memories, Lanark.

A fun day has been organised to entertain all members of the family from noon with a range of music, food and entertainment.

Clydesdale Medieval Society will be making camp at the event and providing entertainment with battle re-enactments, wool weaving and archery.

Calum Maider, from Avon Valley Falconry, will be displaying his birds of prey.

Diabolos, devil sticks, clubs, spinning plates, girds and cleeks, whips and peeries, sack races and stocks are all planned.

Jim at Spark in the Dark will let everyone discover games and activities our ancestors used to play 500 years ago.

There will be hog roast rolls and vegetarian options available as well as light refreshments and home baking for a small donation. For those with a sweet tooth, Sweet Memories will have a wide range of traditional sweets.

Two unique bands will be providing music. They are Clann an Drumma, keeping it tribal, and another Scottish band playing ceilidh music with a rock twist.

On this special day, St Mary’s Aisle will open its doors to the public. This church, which was built in 1386, is recognised as a category A-listed building.

St Mary’s Aisle is the mausoleum of the Lockhart family, and previously of the Earls of Carnwath and the Lords Somerville.

Everyone, including the runners, are being encouraged to dress up for the day in costume similar to that in use 500 years ago.

There will also be a range of craft competitions, including one to decorate a hose (sock). Use glitter, beads, buttons, coloured pens or whatever you want to make the prettiest decorated sock.

All entrants’ masterpieces will be exhibited.

There will also be a knitting competition.

The Red Hose were, for many years, knitted by Mrs Dornan then Jean Dewar, mother of the head gamekeeper on the estate and widow of a former estate tradesman.

This year, the race organisers are looking for the next official Red Hose knitter.

This is the chance for anyone in South Lanarkshire to enter the history pages.

Simply knit your best pair of Red Hose and bring them to Carnwath on June 22.