2013torchmaking

2013 SMUHA Torch Making

Work on making torches for the 2013 SMUHA started on Monday 1st October 2012. Torchmaking & galleybuilding were combined into the new Cunningsburgh shed this year. Of the torches left over from the 2012 SUMHA - 80 were previously cemented & steeped - and 201 were available for use in 2013. A total of 706 torches were made by the 16th January 2013.

Running total of torches made.

Rolling torch heads.

Delivering torch materials to the new Cunningsburgh shed.

Constructing new tops for the torchmaking tables.

Stacking torch handles.

Rolled torches awaiting covering.

Malcolm Smith cutting covering hessian.

Dale Smith with nails.

Covering torches.

Completed torches.

Torch making kit.

Origin of this years hessian.

Torch cementing took place on the 23rd February. Around 400 torches were cemented in about 2 hours.

Later that evening members of the Jarl's Squad marched to the torch shed by torchlight, followed by an evening of music.

As usual torch steeping took place on the 8th March. During the course of the day over 400 torches torches were steeped in parrafin ready for use during the evening procession the following day.

Mixing the cement.

Cementing the final torch.

2013 Torchboys: left to right (standing) - Ryan Jamieson, Sean Mackenzie, Gary Irvine, Stevie Nicolson, David Smith, Neil Jamieson, Billy Goudie, James Jamieson, Euan Robertson, Scott Lobban, Mark Evans, Ritchie Fraser, Brydon Robertson, Sonny Mullay, Darren Johnston, Kevin Jamieson, Lowrie Shearer, (seated) - Aaron Smith, Ross Smith, Michael Farmer, Ryan Mullay, 2013 Jarl Dale Smith, Torch Foreman Liam Mullay, Keith Lobban, Alistair Dodds,
Malcolm Smith, Ally Watson. Not in picture: James Farmer, Shaun Adamson, Brydon Work, Kevin Osborn.