Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BANNOCK-AND-SAUT-HERRIN', n. (See second quot.)Sc. 1926 “H. M'Diarmid” Drunk Man . . . Thistle 17:
A' as it used to be, when I was a loon On Common-Ridin' Day in the Muckle Toon. The bearer twirls the Bannock-and-Saut-Herrin', The Croon o' Roses through the lift is farin'.Dmf. (after 1752) 1912 J. and R. Hyslop Langholm as it was 549:
In the procession . . . there are carried . . . the following emblems. . . . 1. A barley bannock and a salted herring fastened by a large nail to a wooden dish. The Bannock symholizes certain of the privileges of the baron. . . . The presence of the Herring is more difficult of explanation.