Organisers have hailed this year’s Tranent Children’s Gala as a massive success, despite less than favourable weather conditions.

There was, as ever, a handsome turnout for gala day, where DeriJane Ross was crowned gala queen. And the day brought much delight to Colin McGinn – who presided over his final gala as chairman.

Mr McGinn, chair for the last three years, told the Courier: “It all went very well. We were obviously worried about the weather, because with all that wind it was just terrible on Saturday for anyone that had a gala then, but it cleared up overnight and we managed to get a good day.

“There is a lot of hard work, not just by me, by everyone, that goes into the gala, and you always have that concern that it’s going to be a complete washout but there really is nothing you can do about the weather.” Despite the weather resembling autumn more than the beginning of June, Mr McGinn was delighted to see the playing fields at Ross High RFC as busy as ever.

He added: “The field was well-packed, and even when the weather did get that little bit worse, the field was still really busy.” Mr McGinn stressed, once more, that he was keen for his still-to-be-chosen successor to build on the success of the gala.

He also praised convenor Paula Waugh for her work on making the crowning ceremony so special – Paula stands down from the gala committee at the AGM in October.

“Paula has worked really hard to get the crowning to where it is, and there are a load of her comrades who will look to keep on the good work,” he said.

“It is always the same people who are involved in these things, so we’ll be encouraging people to get involved for next year.” The gala committee has received widespread praise for its work in putting together the whole day and the crowning ceremony, which saw DeriJane Ross crowned Gala Queen, with Jay Winters as her consort.

Iain Gray, East Lothian MSP, posted on social media site Twitter: “Well done @colinmcginn and his @TranentGala committe for a beautiful crowning ceremony”.