The New Cumnock Shepherds' or Herds' Fair was instituted in 1787. There were two gatherings a year in August and December but latterly just in December.
Irvine Times - Friday 31 December 1886
From New Cumnock News site
Cumnock Chronicle 1 January 1965
Tom Patrick was in Culcreoch, John Ferguson was in Craigman and John Murray was at Nether Whitehaugh (Muirkirk).
The Scotsman - Thursday 23 December 1937
Dumfries and Galloway Standard - Saturday 04 November 1944 A Herds' Dance
1970 Cumnock Chronicle
Frae The Heather: Poems And Songs by Thomas Murray
