Provost Hans Langmack

Commentary

Between the years 1832 and 1975, Coldstream has only awarded four Freedoms of the Burgh in the time of its Burgh status. The Coldstream Guards and KOSB are mentioned but the right to privileges within the Burgh has been given to only two individuals, Hans Detlef Langmack and Sir Alex Douglas-Home. In June 1969, Hans was delighted to receive the Freedom, for his sterling work as a former Provost, as a senior Bailie, for his twenty years involvement with the Town Council and for holding many appointments including involvement with the Burns Club, Football Club, Masonic Lodge, ‘Presenting Coldstream’ and the Coldstream Over 60s Club. Hans also became a Life Member of the Coldstream Guards Association, something he was very proud of. On being given the Freedom, Hans became the first individual to become a Burgess of the Town, bestowing on him ‘all the rights and privileges and immunities’. Hans was sixty eight years old at the time, held almost legendary status in the town and had the wonderful habit of welcoming new members to the community. Whenever good things were happening in Coldstream, Hans was usually instrumental in making them happen. On reading the local newspapers of his era, the name Hans Langmack was usually prominent. Those who knew Hans  D. Langmack will never forget him, one of Coldstream’s finest citizens.

Here are some snippets:-

The question of the fountain in the Market Square came to a head in 1968 when the Coldstream Guards visited the town and were accorded the Freedom of the Burgh. At a Town Council meeting in February 1968, Dean of Guild David Lloyd suggested if the fountain was to be dismantled because of the Coldstream Guards, it should be re-assembled in front of the proposed Old Folks’ Home (Trafalgar House) on Guard’s Road. Town Council Treasurer, Dr. I.C. Jack, said the Town Council had no powers and was reliant on other authorities. It was suggested that some of the older residents of Coldstream were disappointed at the demise of the fountain but that the young people were not too bothered. The fountain was never erected anywhere else. Baillie Hans Langmack said that the structure was sinking and was often hidden by lorries parked in the Square. There appears little doubt that the fountain was in decay, with the retention of stagnant water and cigarette ends the main problem.  The excitement of the magnificent Freedom Ceremony must have overshadowed the dismantling of the fountain. Comments indicate it was stored in various places, and today part of the fountain can be seen in the Coldstream Museum.