Committee hail 'real sense of community' at Lairg Gala week

Lairg Gala Week had to contend with less than favourable weather this year – but it didn’t prevent its attendees from enjoying this year's programme of events.

The community turned out in good numbers as Robert Johnstone of Park House opened this year's Gala week with the crowning of queen Emma Macrae and attendants Archie Thomson and Kali Robertson.

Then followed the judging of floats with a ‘magnificent’ seven turning up and plenty fancy dressed individuals and winners from every age group taking part.

The Gala then welcomed the return of the Sutherland schools' pipe band who set the tone for the Gala's first ever family marquee night, with music from the Rhe Ann Dickson band.

The week to follow was filled with several events to keep everyone busy, including visits from Exotic Animal Rescue from Nairn, Artie's Singing Kettle tour and over 90 tractors taking part in Gar's charity tractor run.

There was also an opportunity every day for children to win prizes and trophies leading up to a well-attended prize giving at the end of the week.

The Gala committee also brought back an old favourite in "It's a Knockout" on the final Saturday, which provided much entertainment.

Committee member Danielle Custerson said: “With cost of living at a high we tried to play to our strengths within the village and current supplies to keep as many of the events free for kids and adults or as cheap as possible.

“There was a real sense of community and we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone for attending everything so well and helping out wherever they could to make this year very successful.”

Competition winners

Junior bowls – Lewis Morrison

Car treasure hunt – Emma, Kerry and Iona

Girls' sports – Willow Morrison

Boys' sports – Alexander Morrison

Junior pool – Lewis Morrison

High school pool – Charlie Macnab

Adult pool – Brian Martin

Best float – Little rock shin

Whist – John Angus Corbett

Pub quiz – The Fire Fighters

Angling – Marc Coull

Adult darts – Dean Fraser

Junior darts winner – Barry Macleay-Sutherland

Junior badminton primary age – Leo Cummings

Junior badminton secondary – Elliot Thomson

Best kept garden – Jock and Margo

Wheelbarrow race – Dean Munro and Kenny Fraser

Adult dominos – Ryan Renwick

Broons Hoose Drawing Comp

Pre school – Lilah age 6

P1-P4 – William Macrae age 7

P5-P7 – Rosalie age 10

High school – Gwenith age 12

Raft race winners – Kyle Mackay and Team

Knockout winners – Danielle, Leanne, Darren and Lorna

Mr and Mrs – Queen Emma and Stuart

Fancy Dress

Funniest float – Shrek goes on holiday

Pre school winner – Elsie and Lyall

P1-3 runner up – Faye Innes

P1-3 winner – Aria Martin

P4-7 runner up- Cathal Poole

P4-7 winner – Kaiden Robertson

High school runner up – Stacey Taylor

High school winner – Kate-Lyn Taylor

Adult runner up – Danielle Custerson

Adult winner – Morven and Scott

Best overall – Aria Martin

Adult darts runner up – Colin Bird

Adult pool runner up – Dean Fraser

Childrens' dominos runner up – Cathal Poole

Childrens' dominos winner – Lewis Morrison

Fun fishing runner up – Maisie Custerson

Kids quiz winners – Elysia, Holly, Ruby and Maddie

Junior pool runner up – Maddi Fraser

High School darts runner up – Morgan Morrison

High School pool runner up – Morgan Morrison

Angling comp runner up – David Ross

Doubles badminton winners juniors – Danny and Cathal

Adult badminton winner – Mike McClenaghan

Hill race adult winner – John Whyte

Hill race junior – Leo Cummings

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