Hundreds revel in Thurso gala
THURSO Gala had a successful opening night although there were just three floats on parade and a smaller crowd in attendance compared to last year.
Doreen Macleod, the chairwoman of Thurso Town Improvements Association, which organises the event, was pleased with the crowning ceremony which signals the start of the gala.
"It was absolutely fantastic and this year it was slightly different.
"The queen, Lauren Mackay, was crowned by consort Calum Reid as last year’s queen is working abroad and was unable to attend," Mrs Macleod told the Caithness Courier.
However, the front row of seats reserved for local Highland and community councillors for the crowning ceremony was empty.
Some representatives were unable to attend because of illness or personal circumstances.
Mrs Macleod was not dismayed by the situation and pointed out three councillors – Roger Saxon, Willie Mackay and Bill Fernie – were at the gala.
Others, she said, may have been unable to contact her as she was busy with arrangements for the event. "I don’t have an answering machine," stated Mrs Macleod.
She acknowledged the crowd on Saturday night was down on last year, and although no total is yet available for takings it is expected they will be less than the 2011 figure.
Mrs Macleod confirmed there were only three floats on display and only one of them was from Thurso.
"Last year we had about four. In its heyday the gala would have attracted between 17 and 20 floats but the three floats that we had were great and those involved must have put a lot of work into them," she said.
Before the gala got under way, Mrs Macleod indicated it could be the last one to be staged because so few people were prepared to help run it.
But she revealed two people, including a 15-year-old girl, have come forward to help while a list of volunteers has been started. "It is too early to say what will happen but it is looking more promising than was the case last month.
"It’s fine that people are prepared to put their names on a list but the thing is they have to turn up for the meetings. If they don’t then it could well still be the last gala," said Mrs Macleod, who was pleased to have attracted support from two additional volunteers.
The gala activities continue today with a 10k run and pub entertainment in the Comm.
Tomorrow night there will be museum activities in Caithness Horizons and an adult quiz night in the Holborn Hotel.
Friday sees a walking treasure hunt and a Deal or No Deal version of the television show will be taking place in the Pentland Hotel.
One of the highlights on Saturday will be Fun at the Fire Station while events come to an end on Sunday with seven-a-side football, a baby show and It’s a Knockout.
Results – Floats – Best slogan – Thurso fire station, Highland Olympics. Supreme – Castletown Bosom Buddies, Titanic. Runner-up – Toy Story, Castletown.
Children’s fancy dress – Under five – Davie Swanson (the weather).
Five to eight – Mia Suttar (Hello Kitty).
Nine to 16 – Owen Robertson-Carswell (washing wizard).
Pairs – Alana Farquhar and Lainey Warner (Team Great Britain).
Groups – The Swansons’ Circus.
Cartie – Choli Grug, John O’Groats Ferry.
Supreme – Team GB.
Adults fancy dress – The William Alexander Cup – Long John Silver (Michael Campbell).
Pairs – The Betty Campbell Quaich – Ould sweetie wifies (Lynne McCallum and Lindsay Coghill).
Group shield – Mr Spacemen (Laura Sutherland and Co).
Fancy dress best slogan – Lynda Smith with Taffy Teddy.
Cartie – Malibou Boom Boom (Jackie and Ben Mackenzie, Nicky Moloney and Connor Wilson).
Supreme award – Ould sweetie wifies.
Scrufts dog show – Best puppy – Jennifer Carruthers, Tammy.
Best OAP (over seven years) – Mandy McIntyre, Neeko.
Prettiest bitch – Jessica Calder, Tara.
Most handsome dog – Kyle Reid, Rocky.
Best rescue dog – Harry Loughhead, Bessie.
Best trick – Abbey Sutherland, Alfie.
Best junior handler – Iona MacKay, Molly.
Waggiest tail – Kate McIntyre, Milly.
Most appealing eyes – K. McIntyre, Milly.
Dog the judge would most like to take home – Abigail Mellor, Lucy.