Lockerbie Gala is good to go

The town’s Gala and ROM can now boast a full 2016 lineup following the vote last week. Previously Taylor Edwards had already been announced as this year’s Cornet and David Kennedy as this year’s Standard Bearer, but the pair were still in need of a right hand woman. Five Cornet’s Lass wannabes went head-to-head at a public vote, which saw nearly 500 votes cast. And it was 28-year-old Mary Ann Bell-Irving who received the most votes and became the 2016 Cornet’s Lass elect. A nervous Mary-Ann was lined up with the four other hopefuls when Gala chairman Ian McLatchie announced the title was hers. Speaking to this newspaper, she said: “I am so delighted to be chosen as Cornet’s Lass elect. “I feel so privileged and honoured to be voted in and I would like to thank the ROM committee and all those who came and voted for me.” She added: “Years and years ago my great-grandfather and great uncle were both Cornets and I look forward to following in their footsteps. “I am so looking forward taking part in the ride outs, the big day itself, the ball and riding up front with Taylor and David - it will be a great hoot!” Mary Ann was not the only girl jumping for joy on Friday evening.

Nearly 600 votes were cast for Gala Queen 2016 and 14- year-old Molly Carruthers beat off competition from five other lovely ladies to win the title. Molly will be assisted on the day by senior attendants Kennis Lockhart, Charlie McTurk, Alyssia Thorburn, Rebecca Lamont and Natasha Giesecke. A host of small attendants - Andi Baxter, Mya McKinnell, Billie Jo Johnston, Gregor Rankin, Lexie Erlam and Miley Black - will also join Queen Molly on June 11 aboard her Gala float.