Niamh Shanks is 2012 Lanimer Queen

“I’m quite nervous, but excited at the same time,” said Niamh, who will be crowned at Lanark Cross on Thursday, June 7.

She is the younger child of Derek and Patricia Shanks. Her older brother Andrew (15) has previously been the sceptre bearer.

Niamh has a strong Lanimer background as her grandfather, T Henry Shanks, was Lord Cornet in 1968 and Lanimer secretary for many years.

A picture of Niamh and her courtiers from Lanark Grammar School is in this week’s Gazette, as is the list of all children taking part in the 2012 court. The Gazette is in the shops now.