SETON Queen Grace Hill was crowned in a private ceremony at Cockenzie House and Gardens at the weekend.

Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Gala had been postponed until August due to the lockdown but has now been cancelled.

The committee took the decision to go ahead with the crowning of its queen, with her mum Jocelyn McKinlay asked to do the honours.

Jocelyn said: “It was quite an emotional crowning ceremony; Grace was upset that the gala court could not be there but in the end it was a fantastic day for her.”

Grace, 12, who is due to start at Preston Lodge High School after the summer, was joined for the ceremony, at a safe social distance, by her escort Lucas Donnelly.

The gala committee still hopes to hold the annual gala ball on Saturday, August 22, or when it is safe to do so.

A spokesperson said: “The news of our gala day cancellation was clearly very upsetting for the gala court, parents and locals.

“ The committee delayed cancelling the event in the hope it could go ahead and were heartbroken the event had to be cancelled.

“Members of the committee worked hard to do everything they could to ensure the kids had memories from the day.

“A 2020 Lockdown Photo Parade was posted on gala day featuring the full gala court.

“The kids have also submitted some fantastic videos which are currently being made into a special compilation film.

“Some children still chose to dress for the day and parents went to the effort of decorating houses to ensure the kids had a day they’d remember.

“Thank you to all the parents that shared photos and to our Honourable Gentleman, Provost John McMillan, who kindly sent a special video and best wishes to the kids. Our new Seton Queen was crowned in a private ceremony.”

See next week’s Courier for more images.