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Sixty-five years ago, Margaret Beaton was crowned Carnival Queen of Tain after the sixth form pupil at Royal Tain Academy secured the votes of her fellow pupils.
Now, thanks to Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust, she has been able to relive the event in all its glory.
The Trust has converted 15 old cine films to digital and among those is the 1958 Tain Gala and when he saw it, chairman Richard Littlewood, thought he was able to identify Margaret. He got in touch with her and she confirmed that she was the girl on film.
After a visit to Inver from her home in Applecross for a reunion with friends on Friday (June 9) Margaret and her niece Sheila Mackay stopped by in Tain to watch the film with Richard and his wife Ann at their home.
The film showed 18-year-old Margaret, then Margaret Mackay, and other members of her ‘coronation party’ including her Maid in Waiting, Christine Morris. After being crowned in a blue satin dress, Margaret changed into her ‘day dress’ – which she still has – to perform her gala duties.
Local film maker, DW Shivas, followed Margaret and Christine to Coronation Park – where Tesco now stands – and featured other gala events including motocross, a fancy dress competition and displays and pipe bands.
Margaret and her niece Sheila Mackay also saw films covering the Queen Mother’s opening of the Rose Garden in 1966 and the 1959 Gala.
Margaret left Tain in the summer of 1958 to go to college in Glasgow where she studied Primary Education. In 1964 she took up Australia’s invitation and became a ‘£10 Scot’. She taught first in Sydney and then in Broken Hill in the far southwest of New South Wales before returning home nearly five years later.
“It was a treat to see the film and to be able to put names to so many faces,” said Margaret. “It was a long time ago but still very memorable.”
Alasdair Rhind of the 2023 Gala Committee said: “It was great to hear about the 1958 Gala and shows what a tradition it is in Tain and we are looking forward to this year’s event.”
The gala runs from Thursday, June 29 until Saturday, July 1 and includes a pet show, talent showcase, a family quiz and games night, as well as a wide range of displays, stalls and entertainment.
Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust is planning to show the films to a wider public audience later in the year.