Above ^^^: Boys Brigade Pipe Band leading the procession into Newhaven
The Gala Queen, Courtney and the Fisher King, Lewis, sailed in on the high tide from Granton Harbour. The Queen and King, joined by supporters, Lewis and Saba, were led through Newhaven, to Victoria Primary School, by the Boys Brigade Piper Band. At the school, the Gala Queen was crowned by local MSP Malcolm Chisholm, and children sang traditional fishing songs which featured herrings and lots of accompanying actions.
Back to first page of Newhaven Children's Gala Day on Leith & North >>>
Left <<<: Malcolm Chisholm, local MSP crowns Courtney, Newhaven Gala Queen.Right >>>: The Royal Party posing for photos in the sunlight. Headteacher Laura Thomson introduced Edinburgh North & Leith's MSP, Malcolm Chisholm who welcomed the return of Newhaven Gala Day, and remarked that he had been chatting with one of five Gala Queens from 1953, the year of Elizabeth II's coronation. He went on to crown Courtney Queen of Newhaven Children's Gala 2010. Primary 2 & 3 children then sang "Caller Herrin'" and "Herring's Heads complete with actions.
Left <<<: Children singing "Herrings Heads"Right >>>: A fishwife from a previous Gala Day "When ye were sleepin' on your pillows,
Dream'd ye aught o' our puir fellows,
Darkling as they fac'd the billows,
A' to fill the woven willows?
Buy my caller herrin',
New drawn frae the Forth."
Carolina Olliphant (Lady Nairne, aka Bogan of Bogan), 19th Century
Above ^^^: "I've been wanting to do this for years." Community Council members Sandie & Rab Burns,
After the celebrations, people joined in various activities and games, home baking and book stalls were on offer, and a Barbeque was provided by local restaurant Porto and Fi. MP Mark Lazarowicz came down to take a look around, and Leith Councillor Rob Munn enjoyed the day with his young daughter. Leith & North is moved to note that this revival took place on the same day as the ceremony for the 70th anniversary of the rescue of the British Army from Dunkirk, by the little ships of thousands of ordinary members of the public.
Left <<<: Children enjoying themselves on the obstacle course.Right >>>: Community Beat Officer, John Pennycook doing his Constabulary Duty raising money in the stocks.
Left <<<: Leith Neighbourhood Partnership consulting on the future of LeithRight >>>: Leith Councillor Gordon Munro discussing the Scottish Coastal Rowing Project. Along with the fun several projects were being floated, including the Newhaven Coastal Rowers. The Scottish Coastal Rowing Project is a new initiative supported by The Scottish Fisheries Museum. The aim is to restart inter-community rowing competitions around Scotland. The intention is that communities will build their own boats and then race against each other. The Scottish Fisheries Museum have commissioned Ian Oughtred of Skye to design a kit - the St. Ayles skiff - for building as a kit. Newhaven Coastal Rowers are seeking to raise funds to buy one.
Victoria Primary School web site >>>
Leith, Harbour & Newhaven Community Council web site >>>
Port of Leith Motorboat Club web site >>>
Newhaven Coastal Rowers web site >>>
Newhaven Village Community web site >>>
Back to first page of Newhaven Children's Gala Day on Leith & North >>>
