Carstairs and District Gala Day 2015 Slideshow

GLORIOUS sunny weather blessed the 2015 Carstairs Gala Day which was rated as “the best for several years”.
In their finery...Carstairs and District Gala Day Queen Erin Stewart (11) with her retinue and crowning lady Carol McLelland. (Pic Alan Rennie)In their finery...Carstairs and District Gala Day Queen Erin Stewart (11) with her retinue and crowning lady Carol McLelland. (Pic Alan Rennie)
In their finery...Carstairs and District Gala Day Queen Erin Stewart (11) with her retinue and crowning lady Carol McLelland. (Pic Alan Rennie)

Queen Erin Stewart (11) was crowned on the village green stage by crowning lady Carol McLelland on a day also featuring a stunning procession of floats and individual entries.

“It was one of the best gala days we’ve had for a long time,” said Carstairs Gala secretary Nanette Melvin.

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“It was a beautiful sight when the sun was shining up on the gala stage.

In their finery...Carstairs and District Gala Day Queen Erin Stewart (11) with her retinue and crowning lady Carol McLelland. (Pic Alan Rennie)In their finery...Carstairs and District Gala Day Queen Erin Stewart (11) with her retinue and crowning lady Carol McLelland. (Pic Alan Rennie)
In their finery...Carstairs and District Gala Day Queen Erin Stewart (11) with her retinue and crowning lady Carol McLelland. (Pic Alan Rennie)

“The gala court members all conducted themselves brilliantly. All their training paid off because they made no mistakes at all.”

Queen Erin was ably backed by fellow gala court members, including 1st Champion Dean McFadden and 2nd Champion Finlay Callan.

Hundreds of spectators savoured watching the crowning, as well as a spectacular parade which saw the Wreck It Ralph pageant triumph in a procession which also featured Wizard of Oz, Disney, circus and comic character entries.

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In an added dimension, this year’s gala also saw villagers remember their war dead when, after the crowning, four guards of honour carried wreaths which were laid at the War Memorial.

The day also had an afternoon of exciting attractions – including a bouncy slide and burger van – running until 5.30pm.

“It was a brilliant and well organised event,” Nanette added.

“The gala day continues to go from strength to strength and long may it continue.

“John Forrest and his committee did a great job.”

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Next year’s Carstairs Gala Day clearly has a lot to live up to!

Freelance photographer Alan Rennie was on hand to capture the action and his pictures are featured in our slideshow, created for your viewing pleasure by Johnston Press Scotland communities hub deputy editor Julie Currie. Curl up with a cuppa – and enjoy!