It was a tale of two queens at the much welcomed return of the Sanquhar Riding of the Marches Gala Day on Saturday.
The Royal Burgh was bursting at the seams with enthusiasts keen to show their support for the popular summer festivities which included the traditional riding of the boundaries, chases, and a fantastic 144 riders joined the colourful pageant parade of vehicles and fancy dress.
Following a packed week of events, the ROM meant an early start for this year’s principals – Cornet Seamus Healy, Cornet’s Lass Bobbie Moore and Ensign John Marshall – which began with the Burgh piper’s Reveille from Piper’s Thorn to Gallows Knowe and back, and ended with celebrations and entertainment into the evening.
The highlight was the crowning of both the 2020 Queen, Emma Gate – who missed out because of the Covid-19 pandemic – and the 2022 Queen, Lois Haddow, by Mrs Audrey Wilson.
Emma’s royal party included attendants Kirsty Gallacher, Abbie Duncan and Blythe Moore, with herald Leith Haddow and page, Leighton Thompson, while in Lois’ retinue were attendants Cerys Milligan, Fynlay Burnett and Brody Nelson, as well as herald, Hector McQuarrie-Parkes, and page, Travis Gallacher.
After the parade, the principals and royal parties led the community onto Lorimer Park for an afternoon of fun from 2pm, including a pipe band competition, Bay Beat carnival band, Owl Magic, stalls, hot food, children’s fun fair, dog display and more.
Evening entertainment included the 5.15pm Massed Pipe Bands from the town hall to the High Street – Ayr, Kilmarnock, Strathhaven, Peebles, Upper Nithsdale Youth, Sanquhar Silver Band – as well as trophy prizegiving, followed by a family music night by Gary Cleghorn with a singing competition is in the town hall.
