Collcctauca. 343
Ftimack Fair.
" The ancient name of the parish [Botriphine] was Fumack Kirk, so called from S. Fumack, the patron saint. A little below the Established manse is S. Fumack's Well. An annual Fair is held in February, on a Green on the opposite side of the Railway line from the Well. According to a " Description of the Parish," rwa 1726, the ' wooden image is washed yearly, with much formality, by an old woman (quho keeps it) at his Fair on the third of May, in his own Well there.' The Image, having been swept away by a flood of the Isla, was carried down to the mouth of the Deveron, where it was stranded, and afterwards burned, as a monument of super- stition, in presence of the Parish Minister. The old custom of a game at Football is still practised at Fumack Fair. Formerly the Gudewives, having 'brewed their brewster,' used to shake their bags over the still y^'r iiick. They believed that if the whisky did not operate so as to make the men fight at the Fair and " draw bluid," it would not be a good season following." (Gordon, Book of the C/iroiiiiies of Keitli, p. 443.)
With the above ritual washing of an image, compare the follow- ing :—
" In a Niche in the north wall of the church [of Rulhven] is placed the Effigy of Thomas Gordon of Daach, i.e. "Tarn o' Riven," who fought the Monk of Grange. The effigy is cut in stone, and is known by the name of "Tarn 0' the stane." The Warrior is in full armour, with his sword by his side. The visor of the helmet is raised, showing the features, which are much obliterated by long exposure to atmospheric influences. No inscription is now to be seen, but some of the older Inhabitants say that there was an Inscription on the Sword-belt round the body. The late Gordon of Craig repaired The Tomb of Tarn ; — and also an old woman white-washed the Figure annually." (Gordon, op. cit., p. 409.)
sides of ihc pit fell in, .ind ihe\ had liarely time to esc.ipe premature burial. When they returned next morning they could find no trace of the treasure. W. B. (ierisli, iiih St\\^h Notes aud Queries, vol. i. p. 306. — KniTOR.
