The Vikings were in fact simply staging a publicity stunt for the town's mediaeval festival.

A Viking long boat was rowed across the Loch to be met by a party of historical figures from the area's dim and distant past.

South Lanarkshire Provost Russell Clearie was also on hand to witness the spectacle along with members of the mediaeval festival committee and a healthy crowd of curious on-lookers.

Following the photo-call and, having fixed his 'helmet' hair, the Provost told the Gazette: "The event was very enjoyable and I must give a vote of thanks to all the festival organisers.

"It really does take you back to the mediaeval times and the detail that goes into it is just fantastic.

"The public would really miss out if they didn't attend events like this."

The Vikings also showed their worth at the mediaeval festival itself with a number of spectacular re-enactments throughout the weekend.

And there was plenty of action at Lanark Racecourse over the course of the weekend to keep people of all ages happy.

Organisers promised two days of activities and entertainment and they made good on their word as hundreds of visitors from all over the UK descended on Lanark.

Cannons, catapults and muskets ensured the Mediaeval Festival went with a bang and action fans were treated to numerous battles and archery displays.

After a hotly-contested competition, the ultimate archery prize, the Silver Arrow, was won by world longbow champion Hilary Robinson.

Shopaholics were also well catered for with a host of stalls selling a wide range of mediaeval memorabilia from jewellery and games to historical artefacts and books.

Playing a big part in the event's success this year was the weather, with two days of sunshine compared to the previous year's continuous rain.

The festival certainly opened with a bang on Saturday; a cannon display
proving the catalyst for an action-packed and fun weekend.

And it wasn't just Clydesdale folk who enjoyed the show with exhibitors from England making the journey up the M74 as well as a ferryful of Irish enthusiasts.

Andy Jarvis travelled from Sheffield for the festival and enjoyed every minute.

He said: "Twelve months ago the rain was coming down heavily but this year it was superb.

"I really enjoyed some of the battles that were waged — I've always enjoyed a good punch-up mind you!''

But fights were not the only entertainment on offer. Several falcon displays were staged and a mediaeval magician and jester, who had just returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, ensured wee ones were kept amused.

Mediaeval Clydesdale members were also out in force and impressed visitors by making a variety of mediaeval goods including arrows, belts and buckles.

Member John Hamilton, of Crawford, said: "The crowds were fantastic; it was definitely a big improvement on last year.

"It became a bit of a nightmare last year because it didn't stop raining but this year's event was brilliant.

"I enjoyed having the Romans here and everyone I spoke to said the same thing.

"People came from all over the UK came to Lanark for this event but I'm sure it will become an international attraction."

Stalls offering mediaeval memorabilia including jewellery, games and even some historical artefacts did a roaring trade.

Mediaeval Clydesdale member Lilian Hamilton, also from Crawford, said: "We made material that people in mediaeval times would use for sacks and fishing nets.

"People were coming in and having a go at making them as well.

"Having the sun out made a huge difference. It was a real family event."

Remember, folks, all the pictures taken by Gazette photographer Lindsay Addison - featured here in our slideshow - can be purchased from our offices for just £5 each.

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