Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Debbie Hall & Callum Carson & Iona Young

Heartache as West Lothian mum dies moments before daughter crowned gala day queen

Tributes have been pouring in for a “one of a kind” mum who passed away just before she was due to see her daughter crowned queen at her local gala day.

Lorraine Pow sadly passed away on Saturday on the same day as Stoneyburn Gala Day, where her daughter Caihla had been gala queen.

READ MORE - Family of Edinburgh Bay City Rollers star Les McKeown say reason he 'never found peace'

Lorraine, who lived in Philpstoun with her daughter and husband Graham, had been a dedicated member of its gala committee over the years and her heartbroken family released a statement on the gala’s Facebook page report the West Lothian Courier.

It read: “We would like to thank friends in the village for their thoughts and wishes in these hardest of times. Likewise the Galaday committee for their assistance in difficult circumstances.

“Lorraine was a former gala day committee member over a number of years and knew what an important event it was to the children of our village.

“She was very proud that Caihla was the Gala Queen for 2023. Whilst for us, the day now holds painful memories, there was also happy points as we share in our photos and we hope that the other families involved in the day also have some happy memories for the future.”

Locals flocked to Facebook to pay tribute to Lorraine, as did organisers of nearby galas.

Stacey King said: “Such a tragedy. When I joined the committee she was so welcoming and inspired me to stay part of it. She put her all into the galaday and was such a bundle of joy. Going to be sorely missed.”

Linda Hope said; “Thinking of all the family and friends. Cailah was stunning that day, Lorraine would’ve been so proud of her wee beautiful Queen.”

Kym Bannerman said: “Caihla was stunning and her mum would be so proud of how she conducted herself on Saturday.

Louise Cowan added: “Lorraine was one of a kind....and her wit, and strength will shine thru in you kid. Lots of love to everyone.”

Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

A very difficult time ahead and thoughts and prayers are sent to all the family at this sad time Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 12.10 pm on Saturday, 17 June, 2023, we were called to reports of concern for a woman at Main Street, Stoneyburn.

“Emergency services attended and the woman was taken to St John’s Hospital where she died a short time later. Her next of kin have been informed.

“Her death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.”

Louise Cowan added: “Lorraine was one of a kind....and her wit, and strength will shine thru in you kid. Lots of love to everyone.”

READ NEXT:

Miss Scotland 'drunkenly ejected from Edinburgh sports event by stewards'

Scottish mum horrified after council dump box of dirt on tragic daughter's grave

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.