Alness Gala Week 2025 Celebrations

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Alness Gala Day – Susan Menzies

It was a gloriously sunny (slightly breezy) day, and the crowds turned out in their thousands to the third annual Alness Gala Day.

The Gala Day commenced with a procession along the High Street, led by the Ardross Pipe Band and Committee Chairman Robert Adair looking suave in full Highland Dress. The spectators lined the High Street and cheered on all the members of the groups who would later entertain at the Crawl Park, along with the Community Service Award winners who travelled in style to the event. The spectators on the street fell into line behind the procession, and marched together to the Crawl Park to enjoy the event.

On arrival, the Ardross Pipe Band gave a stirring performance, playing toe-tapping tunes that the crowd enjoyed. The band are always immaculately presented, and it’s great to see so many local folks enjoying playing together.

Community Civic Awards were then presented to this year’s worthy recipients:

• Jamie Dickson – Youth Community Service Award

• Una McIntosh – Long Service Award

• Hamish Patterson – Long Service Award

• Charlie Munro – Long Service Award

• the late Sheila Spence – Long Service Award (posthumous)

A Gala Committee spokesperson said “we are glad to be honouring a lifetime of service and unwavering commitment to the people of Alness who continue to make Alness a place we are proud to call home”.

Gala competition winners were then announced:

Bonny Baby – Albie Hossack

Photography – Robert Adair

Art 1 – Isla Hart | Art 2 – Freya Hynd | Art 3 – Jackie Maxwell

Alness Got Talent Pets Edition – 1st Mischa & Vadar, 2nd Budgie Taxi, 3rd Dexter & Madison Booth

Scavenger Hunt – 1st Sophie Stewart

Golf Competition (0-15 handicap) – 1st Genalyn MacLeod

The park was full of attractions – bucking bronco, RCFC Beat the Goalie, fairground rides, local vendors and crafters, catering trucks, Invergordon Fire Service and Martial Arts interactive displays, face painting and Fox and Friends stall.

Centre-field performances by Anne Noble Highland Dancers, DNA Dance Performers and the gymnastics team were extremely popular and hugely enjoyed by the big crowds.