PICTURES: Thumbs-up for revamped Tain Gala as royal burgh hails local heroes who make it all happen

VOLUNTEERS and entertainers who help make a long-standing Easter Ross gala tick have been thanked for pulling off another great event.

And the call has gone out to anyone interested in getting involved with Tain Gala to make themselves known as plans are laid for future events.

Audrey and Ewan Scott of Golspie Running Club organised and ran a 10k/3k Fun Run as a precursor to Tain Gala this year, including a 1-mile route for those with additional support needs.

The weather did not disappoint and it was well attended by all ages and abilities. This was a new running event with lots of sponsorship from local businesses who provided trophies and other prizes for the participants.

Participants enjoyed a lovely start to the gala on Thursday evening with the Rose Gardens providing a beautiful backdrop for the crowning ceremony. The Queen, Keira Young and her Attendants, Leona Affrin, Kornelia Porozynscy and Jay Rooney, were piped through the gardens by Tain Pipe Band ready to be crowned by Olivia MacLeod, the 2022 Gala Attendant.

Following the crowning ceremony, the ever-popular pet show was well-attended. Scotsburn Kennels and Cattery kindly supported the event and organisers voiced gratitude to Johnston and Farrell for providing the Champion of Champion Cup and also sending Katie, one of their vets, along to judge the event – a tough job as cuteness abounded!

Tain and District Talent Show gave us an insight into the immense talent in and around the royal burgh, spanning the generations. The audience were provided with an array of traditional and modern dance, music and song – all performers gave their time willingly and freely. At the Teddy Bears' Picnic, teddies of all shapes, sizes and ages attended along with their little people, all entertained by Mr and Mrs Bubbles the Clown. In the afternoon Artie and his Singing Kettle provided a nostalgic throwback for children and parents alike.

In the evening, Ally Mack compered a family quiz and games night where fun and games was had by all, mixed in with some tunes from the gala’s resident compere and DJ.

Despite the very windy and rainy start to Saturday, all the entertainment managed to go ahead as planned. The community enjoyed an impressive parade to the Links led by massed pipe bands, shire horses and Jez Avery. There was a fantastic display of floats and fancy dress from lots of local groups and young people and their families taking part.

In between the showers and gusts of wind the public were entertained by Jez Avery, stilt walkers and children's entertainers Foxes Tale and trapeze entertainer, Katie Louise.

In the marquee Tain Youth Café provided drinks and snacks along with crafters and background music from Lily Grant, Ruairidh Gollan and Megan Mackay before the traditional gala took on a wee twist and with back to back music kicking off with local band The Impact followed by the return visit of Let's Folk, all the way from the Netherlands, providing energetic, fun-filled cover versions.

Katee Kross provided a country vibe to the evening followed by ALMAC Sounds, who played several spots during the evening covering various genres of music to suit all tastes and ages. The Black Isle Peas were welcomed to the gala for the first time and went down well with the audience.

A spokesman for the event said: "We are so grateful to all the entertainers for agreeing to be part of the gala and to the community who support us either as volunteers or by attending the events. Our three days would not be as successful as they were without this support. We would love to welcome new volunteers and ideas onto our committee. Please don't hesitate to get in touch – we will welcome you with open arms!"

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