Biggar Gala Day 2015 Slideshow

In the spotlight...Fleming Queen Katie Child and her regal retinue look every inch like royalty at the 2015 Biggar Gala Day (Pic James Clare)

Gala secretary Kate Brotherstone said that Biggar Primary School’s involvement in procession entries after a long absence helped the overall quality.

Colourful and humorous floats included Walston Wonka, Noah’s Ark, Biggar Gelai Warriors, Biggar Young(er) Farmers, Winker Watson’s Whippies, Cludgies Without Borders, Biggar Bath Time and Super Mario Brothers.

“The whole day went really well,” said Kate.

“Fleming Queen Katie and her court were excellent and there were no hitches during the event, with everything going according to plan.

“The kids all enjoyed their day and the weather stayed dry, which was a bonus. The weather makes gala day and brings out the crowds.

“It was the best procession we have had in a long time. The school was involved so there were more floats this year.”

After the morning procession in Biggar High Street – supported by Biggar Pipe Band, Glencorse Pipe Band and Peebles Silver Band – Queen Katie’s coronation was held at the municipal hall, with Crowning Lady Sandra Bolton doing the honours.

Katie (12), who has lived in Biggar since 2007, is a P7 pupil at Biggar Primary School and is vice house captain of Colville. Her favourite subject is reading and her favourite books are the Harry Potter series. Katie plays hockey on a Saturday morning and hopes she will get the chance to play more hockey after starting Biggar High School this August.

She is also a member of the Guides, where her favourite activity is cooking.

Katie was proudly watched at the gala crowning by her dad Marc, a bus driver for Lothian Buses, and mum Fiona, an office manager at Limehouse Property Ltd.

Escorting Katie to the municipal hall stage was 2015 Cornet Graeme Watson, with her court including First Lord Greig Callan, Champion Andrew Williamson, maids of honour Catriona Haughey and Joanna Dale and former Queen Anna McDiarmid.

After the procession and crowning, gala day continued later with a Party in the Field event at Biggar Showfield, featuring activities like children’s races and tug o’ war. And in the evening, there was street dancing in front of the Elphinstone Hotel.

Freelance photographer James Clare was on hand to capture all the fun for the Gazette and his pictures are featured in our slideshow, created for you by Johnston Press communities hub deputy editor Julie Currie. Happy viewing!