Chieftain Jimmy McDonald crowned Queen Kayleigh before leading the fancy dress parade through the village.

It was then onto Craighead Park and the start of the Highland Games, where even a few showers couldn't dampen the spirits of villagers.

The organisers claimed the turnout was larger than in previous years.

Highland Games chairman James Simpson said: "The morning parade went very well. I think it was substantially larger than it has been the past few years.

"We had a few local pipe bands like Coalburn and Lanark & District but we also had some from a bit further away.

"There is a lot of interest in the event as we are the only Highland Games left in South Lanarkshire."

The Highland Games attracted visitors from as far afield as Australia, America and the Netherlands.

Kelso Avenue was awash with colour in the morning as the floats and fancy dress entries gathered outside the Miners Welfare.

Lesmahagow Toddlers & Playgroup took home first prize in the float category with their Sea World entry.

A total of 32 parents and over 50 kids took part in the float with mermaids, starfish and other sea creatures in tow.

The toddlers fought off competition from Bratz, made by the girls from Bankhead Road and the hilarious Frog Prince — who was actually Tartan Princess Rebecca Sleeman's grandfather David McAra!

Best walking float went to the girls of Sheila's Wheels.

Organiser Liz Burnside said: "We decided to put an entry in about four weeks ago. We try and do one every year.

"In the past, we've done the King and I, Grease and the Beach Party.

"The good thing is all the money we're raising is going to Breast Cancer Care."

Craighead Park's festivities got underway as kids from both Woodpark and Milton Primary schools took part in the inter-school athletics competition with the unmistakable skirl of the bagpipes in the background as several bands got a quick practice in before taking to the field.

Six bands took part in the Pipe Band contest, with local bands being supported by those from further afield.

The heavy events saw competitors battling against each other in a variety of traditional games including tossing the caber and the Scots Hammer.

Thankfully, the heavy rain predicted did not materialise and organisers were delighted with this year's Games.

Committee treasurer Kevin Avis said: "The preparations went very well.
I think more people turned out this year than in previous years.

"The organisation of the whole event seems to be getting better every year.

"Last year we only had four people on the committee but more and more people in the village are now getting involved.''

After the games were complete, the traditional ceilidh was held in the Jubilee Hall which was also very well attended.

Kevin added: "Three generations came together to dance and be merry and
everyone had a fantastic time."

The Highland Games pictures featured in our slideshow are by Gazette photographer Lindsay Addison and are available from our offices, priced £5 each. To order call 01555 772802 or 678792.

The Gala Day pictures in our slideshow were taken by freelance photographer Andrew Wilson.

Andrew's pictures are priced £5 for a 6x4 image, £8.22 for a 7x5 image and £10.57 for a 9x6 image.

To order Andrew's pictures visit his website at www.awpstockpictures.com or call 01899 220300.