A Fair experience for Bo’ness Queen Elect Lily

With no traditional Fair Day taking place this year due to the pandemic, and a crowning ceremony set to take place behind closed doors in August, everyone came together while socially distancing to give the 11-year-old Kinneil Primary pupil some fond memories to look back on.

Lily enjoyed a garden party at her Douglas Terrace home with Kinneil Band playing for her, and a visit from Fiona Burns, who will do the honours of crowning her Fair Queen in a few months time.

Jill Moffatt, Lily’s mum, said: “When we went outside for the Clap for the Children at 12 o’clock our neighbours had come along to stand outside the house to clap.

“Someone had handed in a dress for her to wear so she looked like a proper queen for the day.

“Kinneil Band played in the back garden and down at the school there was an accordion band and lots of people had gone along to watch. She had lots of cards and presents and everyone still made her feel like it was her special day.

“I originally thought she was going to miss out on so much because of the virus, but she’s ended up gaining so much more from the experience.

“Everyone has been so kind and because it has all been a surprise it has made it even more special and it’s meant so much more, it’s been lovely.”

The woman chosen to crown this year’s Bo’ness Fair Queen previously spoke of her delight at landing the role after 20 years service on the committee. Fiona Burns lives on Dean Road with her husband Tom, who has also been involved with the Bo’ness Children’s Fair for two decades and is the procession convener.

She said: “It has been really nice getting to know Lily. She is such a lovely wee girl and I am sure we will have this special bond forever. But I would probably have had more meetings with her and all the kids if it had been a normal year.”