Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†GALA BRIG FAIR, n.phr. A fictitious or non-existent Fair. Hence used to mean “never”.Slk. c.1840 Sc. N. & Q. (1st Series) IV. 54:
“I'll pay at Gala Brig Fair.” Gala Brig Fair, like the Greek Kalends, was an event nobody ever expected to happen.
