Leith History

LEITH HAS, historically, a whole lot of history going on, or it used to, and in fact it still does. If you'll let me finish I shall recount to you some interesting tales and anecdotes from times past. Here's something from the pages of local history. It is 100% true.*

IT WAS TRADITIONAL in 18th century Edinburgh for local people to celebrate the Bogling of the Lummockshreve’s DungBucket. This quaint and largely forgotten custom heralded the arrival of summer.

A local thief or convict would be chosen to play the Lummockshreve, or King of the Faerie Folk. On the slopes of King Arthur’s Seat a crowd of eager locals would gather around the Lummockshreve. The ceremony would begin with the Lummockshreve singing his Bogling song, to summon the spirits of fertility and luck.  

Wielding his Lummock stick and wearing the traditional Lummock Shirt, made entirely of roast beef, the Lummockshreve would then be chased up hill by four women, or Shecht Wyfies, each representing one of the seasons, with their pet skunks, or Chunderpigs. Once the Lummockshreve had been caught, the Bogling of his Dungbucket would commence. 

The Dungbucket, usually a flagon of Captain Brayne’s Fylthie Ale would be poured over the Lummock Shirt and then the Chunderpigs would quickly consume the roast beef. This would be followed by the Lummockshreve being carried aloft back down the hillside to be ceremonially battered senseless by local dignitaries prior to being banged up in jail again.

* In the strictly legal sense, i.e. untrue.