On Friday 26th June 2026, we welcomed friends, supporters and visiting principals from across the South of Scotland to our Dalbeattie Riding of the Marches Ball & Ceilidh.
Looking back, it's hard to put into words just how special the evening was.
Doors opened at 7.00pm before everyone took their seats for the formal proceedings at 7.30pm. As Chairperson, I had the honour of opening the evening with a welcome speech. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous! It felt like I spoke at a million miles an hour, but I got through it, and once it was over I could finally relax and enjoy the night.
Our 2026 Principals were piped in to the hall, then our Junior Lad and Lass were welcomed to their seats before Cornet Lady Laura and Cornet Lad Connor each addressed the room.
Laura's speech was heartfelt and beautifully personal. She shared the story of taking part in Dalbeattie Civic Day as a little girl, riding through the parade dressed as an angel on horseback. She spoke about how special it felt to once again represent the town she loves, this time wearing a white gown as Cornet Lass. It was a lovely reminder that traditions often begin in childhood, and that one generation inspires the next.
Connor's speech was shorter but equally sincere, and together they set the perfect tone for the evening ahead.
After the formalities, the dancing began—and it barely stopped all night.
Our fantastic ceilidh band had the dancefloor full from the very first set. It didn't matter whether people knew the dances or not; everyone joined in, laughed together, and before long the whole room was on its feet.
Later in the evening, Connor swapped his Cornet Lad sash for the DJ booth, keeping the music flowing and making sure everyone was exactly where they needed to be throughout the night. He even managed to squeeze in the now-traditional selfie from the stage, capturing a packed dancefloor behind him and a room full of smiling faces.
One of the highlights of the evening was welcoming visiting principals from neighbouring Ridings and Common Ridings. Connor and Laura invited everyone into another room for a glass of punch, before they were introduced town by town. Thankfully, I managed to announce almost every one correctly!
Then came one of those moments that everyone will remember.
As the Sash Parade came to an end, our DJ hit play on Levi Heron's The Glen, and within seconds the dancefloor erupted. The atmosphere was incredible. Everyone was singing, dancing and celebrating together, creating a moment that perfectly captured what the evening was all about.
The celebrations continued late into the night, with laughter, dancing and plenty of good company.
Finally, as tradition dictates, the evening drew to a close with Loch Lomond, arms linked across the dancefloor, it was the perfect ending to what had been an unforgettable night.
Personally, I haven't laughed, smiled or danced that much in a very long time.
Throughout the evening, countless people came over to tell us how much they were enjoying themselves. Many described it as one of the best Riding of the Marches balls they had attended, praising the atmosphere, the friendliness and the sheer amount of fun everyone was having.
One comment has stayed with me in particular. Several local people told me, "You should be very proud of what you've pulled off, because we certainly are."
For a committee organising its very first Ball, I don't think we could have asked for a greater compliment.
While the evening also helped raise valuable funds towards Dalbeattie Riding of the Marches, the greatest success wasn't measured in pounds and pence. It was measured in the friendships made, the memories created, and the overwhelming sense of community that filled the room from beginning to end.
If this year's Ball is anything to go by, the future of Dalbeattie Riding of the Marches is looking incredibly bright.
To everyone who attended, travelled to join us, danced, laughed, volunteered and supported us—thank you for making our first ever Ball one that none of us will ever forget.
Safe Oot, Safe In.
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