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.
BARCHAN'S DAY, n. Held on varying dates. (See quots.)Sc. 1914 J. M. Mackinlay Ancient Church Non-Scriptural Dedications in Scot. 79:
St Berchan is believed to have lived at some unascertained time between 550 and 700 a.d. He was patron of the church of Kilbarchan in Renfrewshire, anciently written Kylberchan. His fair, known as Barchan's Day, is held annually in the parish on the first Tuesday after the 12th of December. The date, however, differs in other parts of Scotland.Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 217:
Barchan's day brisk, The langest day an' the shortest nicht!
