New Willie Mclaren Trophy up for grabs

“It is open to all ages with, separate competitions for children and adults.

“There is also the option to complete the treasure hunts in your own time earlier in the week.

“The questions will be available from the Blackford Gala box by the community noticeboards at the Moray Institute from the Sunday at the start of Gala Week.”

This year’s senior citizens’ outing is to the House of Dun near Montrose and takes place on Thursday, June 8.

Names were to be given to the Gala Week committee by 6pm on Monday, May 29. The party will return to the village in time to enjoy a community ceilidh on the same day as the outing to the Angus landmark.

The dance is to take place outside Blackford Primary School from 6pm.

The monthly Blackford Community Lunch falls in Gala Week this year and is to take place in the church from 1pm on Friday, June 9.

The event spokesperson continued: “People can sign-up at the village shop, through the church Facebook page or by speaking to Jane or Gordon Roy by the evening of Wednesday, June 7.

“The two-course lunch is served by pupils from the primary school and more join us for some songs after we’ve eaten.”

Following the lunch, a car treasure hunt is to take place from 7pm on the same day from Blackford Bowling Club.

Entry is £5 per car, with the winners receiving the Julie Shankland Trophy and being given the honour of setting the clues for the following year.

The penultimate day of the busy week will see Animal Man’s Minizoo entertain from 10am in the church on June 10.

This will be followed by a family quiz in the Moray Institute from 7.30pm.

The event is for families or teams of four, with some questions geared towards children.

It’s £5 to enter a team on the night and BYOB and nibbles.

The extensive programme is held in the lead-up to Gala Day itself, which starts from 1.30pm on Sunday, June 11, and the week drawing to a close with a bowls competition at Blackford Bowling Club from 6pm on the same day.

The committee representative concluded: “Blackford Gala Week is put on through fundraising events such as the duck race, grants from the Blackford Community Fund and support from Highland Spring and other local businesses, community groups and individuals.”

The current committee is comprised of Anne-marie Carter, Harry Feather, Irene King, Robyn Peacock, Gordon Roy, Marjorie Sloan, Stuart Smeaton, Sarah Thomas, Jan Thompson and Claire Tuck.