Clydesdale gala season in full swing

The biggest of these, Carluke Gala Day, will be another superb spectacle as thousands expected to line the streets of the town.

As with previous years, the huge procession, which this year has a whopping 24 entries, will depart from Sandy Road at 11am with the crowning of Queen Caoimhe Rea taking place just after noon in Market Square with this year’s Crowning Lady being Barbara Mackie.

After the crowning ceremony, there will be a whole host of fun and games for everyone to enjoy in the town centre.

Not to be outdone, this Saturday’s Biggar Gala Day festivities will see 12-year-old Biggar Primary pupil Katie Child crowned on the Municipal Hall stage at 10.30am.

The ceremony – also including Crowning Lady Sandra Bolton and Katie’s gala court – will be enjoyed by hundreds of spectators after an earlier procession down the High Street from 10.15am.

In a change to previous stagings, Biggar Gala afternoon is moving from the Burnbraes to the Showfield. Attractions will include stalls, five-a-side football and sports, inflatables, music, bar, tug of war, mobile disco, youth and school display, family picnic area, burger vans and hog roast.

Over in Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill, the fancy dress competition will be judged at Blackwood Primary School at 10.30am.

The procession leaves the school at approximately 11.15am with the crowning ceremony being held at Lochanbank Park at noon. In the afternoon the programme of events will include music Coalburn’s Pipe and Bronze Bands, children’s games and races and plenty of fun for all the family.