Jellyfish lead Lochranza gala
A long procession led by the Isle of Arran Pipe Band and the umbrella jellyfish children snakes its way into the the grounds of the village hall at the start of the revived Lochranza gala weekend which proved a big success.
After more than 20 years the Lochranza gala weekend has been revived and what a splendid event it turned out to be, attracting big crowds to the events.
The skies may have been overcast on Saturday and rain was in the air as the long parade, led by Sea Queen Abi Traill and Nepture Tony Baboolal snaked from the Lochranza Pier, picked up the Arran Pipe Band at the castle, and made its way to the village hall.
Sensibly organisers had arranged for the children to take part in a jellyfish umbrella parade and dozens of youngsters were dressed up with their decorated umbrellas.
However busy organisers, Holly Murdoch, Lorna Logan and Jess Kerr-Fearon, need not have worried about the weather as after a short shower, as the gala day was opened by the Sea Queen, it dried up for the events of the afternoon.
The burger stall did a roaring trade and there were games and stalls in the hall where the parade judging took place with Beth Fearon winning first prize for the best costume and umbrella.
There was also a dog show with a healthy entry, children’s races – with the mums and dads getting involved too – and a live band of local musicians with Brian Millar on lead vocals who could be heard across the village.
One of the highlights of the previous gala days was the cart race on the castle spit and this was revived this year as the Bogie McBoatrace.
Five contraptions took part in the timed event though an obstacle course where competitors were also pelted with water bombs.
The event was won by Gregor and Ewan Morrison. The afternoon events concluded with a duck derby from the Golf Course Bridge to the doctor’s surgery.
At night there was the chance to dance away to the sounds of the excellent Falkirk band Soundcradle in the hall. And the weekend of fun continued with a Texas Scramble held at Lochranza Golf Course, a children’s putting competition, a sausage sizzle and other children’s events followed by the prize-giving with the Sea Queen handing out the prizes.
See our picture special on pages 16 and 17.