Return of duck race causes a flap
Friends of Stonehouse Park got into the gala spirit this year by bringing back the annual duck race.
Last held in 2002 at Linthaugh Farm the duck race fell‘fowl’of health and safety concerns.
However, the Friends of Stonehouse Park committee go ‘quackers’for a challenge and were able to bring back this event as a fantastic close to the gala celebrations.
Having sold plastic ducks at the agricultural show and on gala day itself; the gala queen and local sponsor of the event Scott Kirkland were able to send upwards of 900 rainbow coloured ducks over the Linthaugh Bridge and down the Avon.
The fantastic weather meant that the ducks raced rather slowly than first anticipated but that gave onlookers a chance to enjoy the fantastic barbecue provided by the Auld Stanehoose Cross Café, before the ducks were caught by the Avon Angling Club.
Chairman of the FOSP committee Mark Monie said: “We were delighted to support the gala committee who put on a fabulous week of events this year.
“The response for the duck race from the local community has been fantastic.
“With the number of ducks sold we have now managed to secure our percentage of the funding required for the Central Scotland Green Network feasibility study on our park and woodlands.“
The committee now say they are looking forward to making the duck race a regular occurrence in the gala celebrations.
The Friends of Stonehouse Park’s next event will be a family fun day in the park on August 13.
There will again be an opportunity for villagers to have input into the feasibility study and their opinions about suggested new facilities and walking routes through the area.