Gala parade saved after appeal over volunteers

A GALA day’s parade has been saved after fears organisers would have to pull the plug over a lack of volunteers.

Organisers of Carnoustie’s annual Gala Week launched an appeal for volunteers for the annual parade.

The week — a staple of the Angus summer calendar — includes a range of events in addition to the parade, such a dog show, magician, gala quiz night and pipe band.

Mary Bushnell, 71, the chairwoman of the gala committee, said: “I am extremely happy that it’s going ahead.

“We’ve had great support from the local and wider community, as well as local businesses. We usually get around 500 folk in but this year’s parade is bigger with nine floats. The whole thing really is on the up.”

The parade is traditionally held during the gala day, one of the last events of the week’s itinerary.

An appeal for volunteers was posted on social media by the gala committee, warning that the parade was at risk of being cancelled.

The post said:“The gala committee put in a huge amount of effort and time for this community and no one can be bothered to turn up and help out for just a short period of time.”

However, following a swell of support for the event, organisers announced that the parade would go ahead as planned.

A statement from the organisers said: “The gala committee would like to thank those of you who have come forward and volunteered to help on gala day.

“The committee now has enough help to cover temporary street closures — the parade can go ahead. “Now all we need is the sun to shine.” Newly-elected councillor for Carnoustie Mark McDonald said he was delighted the parade has been saved, adding: “It is great to see positive events like this for the community and the great support from all the local people.”

The gala day was revived by the area’s community council in 1987 and the gala committee formed in 1989.

Last year, they raised £7,000 from Gala Week, which all went to clubs and charities in the Carnoustie community.

Gala Week will take place from June 26 to July 1, with the parade on the final Saturday.