Revised plans as Bo'ness Fair Queen Lily set to be crowned in postponed event

It’s been a rollercoaster of a week for the young people involved in the retinue and their families after it was revealed at the end of last week that only three children – queen elect Lily Harvey, Chief Lady in Waiting Erin MacKay and Champion Jake Ferguson – would be present at the ceremony where Lily would be crowned by Fiona Burns watched by their parents, and that it would not be streamed online.

It was a big change from the proposed events for the rearranged Children’s Fair Festival, which included a procession, all children in the retinue taking part and a live stream online.

The decision, which had been taken by police following the government’s guidance, was met with disappointment from the wider Bo’ness community on social media.

However, on Monday evening the plans for Friday changed again – all of the retinue, except the page boys, will now attend the closed door crowning ceremony at St Mary’s Chapel.

There will be no family members present and the proceedings will be streamed online from around 10.45am.

Members of the public are being asked not to come to the grounds of the church.

A statement posted on Facebook by the Fair committee said: “Following clarification on the announcements made by the Scottish Government last week and negotiations between the Fair Committee, Councillor Ann Ritchie, Police Scotland and Falkirk Council, we can confirm that the guidance surrounding outdoor events will now allow us to use the majority of the retinue.

"The Committee and Councillor Ritchie have been having lengthy discussions with the authorities and whilst we understand this has been very frustrating for you all, we are delighted with the final outcome.

"Unfortunately, there will be no procession this year but the event will be live streamed for everyone to enjoy from approximately 10.45am.

"Please do not come to St Mary’s Church grounds.”

And news of the latest changes has been met with excitement by this year’s queen elect Lily.

Her mum Jill Moffat said: “It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster.

"Lily was really upset thinking her friends weren’t going to be there when was being crowned, but when she heard on Monday night that the members of the retinue who are in high school are allowed to take part she was over the moon.

"She was delighted they were all going to get their day together and she’s excited that she’s getting to celebrate with all her friends.

"The committee have done an amazing job working with the police to come to this solution, so although it is a much reduced event, the children are still getting their day.

"The community can still have a Fair Day watching the live stream from home.

"It’s a shame there's no procession, but it’s understandable given the circumstances.

“There’s been a mix of emotions for Lily recently, but she’s excited again now and is looking forward to all the finishing touches that are happening this week.

“Every queen has an arch and we were determined Lily would have one too, so we’ll have a small arch at the house on Friday.

“It’s lovely that they are going to get their day and they will be involved again next year too.”

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you