article by Agnes from Lanark

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Whuppity Scoorie

Whuppity Scoorie is a traditional festival dating from the early 19^th century and observed by the people in Lanark, Scotland, on March 1^st to celebrate the approach of Spring.

Local children gather around Lanark’s St Nicholas Church, where at 6pm the wee bell is rung. This is the starting sign for the children to run round the church in a counter-clockwise direction, making noise and swinging paper balls above their heads as they run. After three laps coins are thrown by members of the Community Council and the children join in the scramble.

There are several theories concerning the origins of Whuppity Scoorie. One theory is that it marks the rites for the approach of Spring and frightens off evil spirits.

Another theory is that it marks the time when days get longer allowing curfews to be lifted or changed so children can play outside longer. On the other hand it was thought that people who did wrong were whipped three times round the church and “scoored”, that means washed, in the River Clyde.

Around the middle of the 19^th century, the tradition was first mentioned in the “Hamilton Advertise”, a local newspaper. It was still called “the wee bell festival” which suggests a link to the ringing of the church bell.

Later, in 1893, the custom was referred to as “Whuppity Scoorie” for the first time and has been known by that name ever since. Running round the church three times was also first mentioned in this year. It was claimed this custom was 120 years old by then.

In those days the young boys rolled up their caps and tied them with string. Hence the making of paper balls in later years. The young lads would then walk to New Lanark and fight lads coming in the opposite direction.

I remember taking our children down on the 1^st of March to join in “Whuppity Scoorie”. Going to the chip shop also became part of the tradition as far as our and many other children were concerned.

Finbar, Lanark.

Webmaster replies

Thanks Finbar.  

You must have done quite a bit of research for this, so thanks very much.   I'm surprised they call it the 'wee bell' as it makes quite a bit of a racket.

Where do others think the name 'Whuppity Scoorie' comes from?

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