Sun shines on gala's 75th anniversary

75 YEARS of tradition and community pride were on display in Moffat on Saturday as hundreds gathered for the town’s annual gala day.

Under sunny summer skies, crowds turned out for the crowning of the Queen of Upper Annandale procession, as the Penicuik and District Pipe Band and Stonehouse Pipe Band led the procession through the high street.

After 15 years of leadership on the gala committee, former chair Idy Davidson formally handed over the reins to newly appointed Sarah Watkins.

Bidding her farewell, Idy said: “I joined the gala committee not long after arriving to live in Moffat, and learned a great deal from many of the masters who really gave their time and experience for the benefit of the whole town, and the many visitors who return year and year to be part of this family event.”

She thanked the committee for preserving the traditions of the event, and wished the Queen and her retinue an enjoyable day.

Queen of Upper Annandale Isla Wolstenholme was joined by Shepherd Rory Wilson, Shepherd’s Lass Hayleigh-Leigh Anderson, Princess Paige Sibbring, Ladies-in-Waiting Cora Smith and Megan Purdie, Train Bearers Aila Galloway and Ella Hunter, and Page Boys Innes Dalziel and Lewis Wilson.

Following the crowning and an exchanging of gifts, Queen Isla welcomed her subjects and thanked the gala committee for their hard work and dedication.

She added: “Gala has meant so much to me and my family, so I hope you’ve all enjoyed to day and this past week as much as I have.

“I am proud to be part of this traditional event within the community, bringing everyone together in one place to celebrate the town’s history and traditions.”

Awards were handed out for best decorated vehicle and walking entries. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party by Hugo’s was a triumph, as were entries including excitable Minions, Moffat Martians dazzling in space-themed outfits, while Team ‘No Scotland, No Party’ brought creativity and humour to crowds with their World Cup-theme.

One particularly vibrant float celebrated the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough, with a jungle-themed tropical display filled with wildlife.

Celebrating a symbol of the town, a large-scale art installation of the Moffat Ram was displayed by members of Moffat Museum.

Museum representative Janet Tildesley said a new fundraising initiative has been set up to preserve the beauty of William Brodie’s bronze ram statue; marking its continued 150 year anniversary.

Moffat Shepherd and Lass Club members also sported sashes and walked in the parade.

“It’s very good that there’s loads us,” Shepherd Lad of 1970 John Todd, said.

“I’ve been away 60 years. I got married in the church down there in 1967”, Shepherd’s Lass of 1958, Margaret A. Matchett told us, having travelled from Yorkshire to attend the event.

“It was my ancestors that put the ram up,” Margaret said, adding that her parents had owned an electrical business, that she worked in the Bank of Scotland in Moffat, and that despite the changes, it was good to be reunited with others.

The parade made its way to Hope Johnstone Park where festivities continued throughout the afternoon.

Although the traditional bonfire was cancelled due to heat-related weather, the decision did not dampen the spirits of families enjoying the full day of events.

As Moffat Gala celebrated its 75th anniversary, the event displayed the lasting strength of a tradition that continues to bring generations within the community together.