Gatehouse Gala got off to a flying start at Garries Park on Sunday when hundreds of locals and visitors enjoyed the opening ceremony and an afternoon of entertainment.
Stars of the show were Gala Queen Eliza Scott and her entourage comprising her predecessor Morgan Vallance, consort Jack Hutchison, page Elliot Henderson, attendant Iona Swan and piper Regan McKie.
Regan led the queen’s procession including Gatehouse Riding of the Marches representatives into the park before the royal party took their places on the stage.
Gala chairperson Sara-Leigh Cain welcomed everybody to the event then invited Provost of Gatehouse to formally open proceedings.
The queen and consort began their duties for the week by giving delightful short speeches to get the afternoon formally underway and Jamie McKenzie, who was Fleet Lad in 2016, presented a Riding of the Marches rosette to Eliza.
The biggest round of applause came when Danny Alderslowe presented the Citizen of the Year to Celia McCutcheon – the overwhelming choice in a popular ballot of residents who voted for Celia in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the community during the pandemic.
Formalities over, veteran entertainer and singer Jesse Garron took the stage to deliver a great performance which soon had the crowd up on their feet.
Speaking after the ceremony, Sara-leigh was delighted the so many had enjoyed the occasion in perfect weather.
She told the News: “There was a great turnout with a lot of great community support.
“I think the children really enjoyed their day and we were delighted to see the Citizen of the Year going to Celia McCutcheon.”
After last night’s torchlight procession and fireworks, gala festivities continue today with a pop-up pizza and music fun day in the community centre car park.
A family magical woodland adventure, five-a-side football and a guided hill walk also feature.
A duck race on the River Fleet will bring gala week to a close on Sunday.
