In the spirit of pooling our knowledge, this quote says a lot about what I think they're to do with...

'I beg leave to communicate the following account of an ancient custom that long prevailed in the Lothians and which, within a few miles of this city, was universally known about 30 years ago, though it is now fallen into disuse.

...The celebration of the Lammas Festival was most remarkable. Each community agreed to build a tower in some conspicuous place, near the centre of their district, which was to serve as the place of their rendezvous on Lammas Day. This tower was usually built of sods; for the most part square, about 4 feet diameter at the bottom, and tapering to a point at the top which was seldom above 7 or 8 feet from the ground. In building it, a hole was left in the centre for a flag staff, on which was displayed the colours on the great day of the festival.

This tower was usually begun to be built about a month before Lammas, and was carried up slowly by successive additions from time to time being seldom entirely completed till a few days before Lammas, and was carried up slowly by successive additions from time to time being seldom entirely completed till a few days before Lammas, though it was always thought that those who completed theirs soonest and kept it standing the longest time before Lammas, behaved in the most gallant manner, and acquired most honour by their conduct.

From the moment the foundations of the tower was laid it became an object of care and attention to the whole community.

As the great day of Lammas approached, each community chose one from among themselves for their Captain, and they prepared a stand of colours to be ready to be then displayed. For this purpose they usually borrowed a fine table napkin from those who would lend them, which they tacked upon the napkin in such fashion as best suited their fancy.

Things being thus prepared, they marched forth early in the morning on Lammas Day, dressed in their best apparel, and each armed with a stout cudgel and repairing to their tower, there displayed their colours in triumph; blowing horns and making merry in the best manner they could. About 9 o'clock they sat down upon the green; and each taking from his pocket bread and cheese, or other provisions they made a hearty breakfast, drinking pure water from a well, which they always took care should be near the scene of their banquet.'

(James Anderson, Soc. Antiquities of Scotland, 1792)