And his selection will leave one Lanark band short of a piper throughout Lanimer Week!

The choice was made on Sunday and John (53) was stunned when Lanimer representatives turned up at his home in Newlands Street.

''I am shocked, shell-shocked,'' he said on Monday.

''It is just beginning to sink in. I am really over the moon about it, but I was shell-shocked when they arrived.

''I am looking forward to the whole thing, although riding the horses will be a bit of a new thing to me.''

John was born in Motherwell and moved to Lanark when he was 17.

At that time he worked in Ravenscraig Steelworks, but when he was 25 he left and joined Strathclyde Police.

He served as an officer in Motherwell, Glasgow, Coatbridge and Wishaw before returning to Motherwell where he finished his career in the Police in 2006. He is now a member of the police civilian staff in Glasgow.

John had been heavily involved in the Boy's Brigade in Motherwell and when he came to Lanark he became an officer in 1st Lanark Boy's Brigade.

Since coming to Lanark, he has also been involved with Lanark and District Pipe Band, Lanark Amateur Musical Society, Lanark Lanimers Bands Committee, Music in Lanark and the Guildry.

He is an elder in Greyfriars Church, a member of the church choir and involved with the Kilninnie Club.

He also sings in a small folk band and has great fun entertaining at church Guild nights and local charity nights.

John and his wife May have a daughter Alison and a son Gavin who, like his father, plays the pipes.

The new Lord Cornet will be Sashed at Lanark Cross on Monday, June 9.