Gala days remain as much a part of the summer calendar in some parts of Scotland as they did over 200 years ago when they were held to mark successful wins for worker’s rights – or simply to raise some cheer during tough economic times.
The first gala day in Scotland is thought to have been held in the 1770's in Loanhead, when miners - and their children - from the Dryden Colliery were invited to a feast to celebrate the birthday of the landowner, Lord Lockhart of Carnwath. In 1871, the miners of Kirkcaldy celebrated the introduction of an eight-hour working day. Back then, tens of thousands of miners and their families would march to the gala fields in villages across Scotland — ending every year with the mighty miners’ gala in Edinburgh, where crowds could reach six figures.
Today’s galas might be more modest affairs, but they are still key events in local social calendars. Many galas have a week-long programme of events building up to Gala Day. And that’s exactly what you can expect to happen in Portmahomack! Come and join in in the fun and games!
Today’s galas might be more modest affairs, but they are still key events in local social calendars. Many galas have a week-long programme of events building up to a dance or a ceilidh. And that’s exactly what you can expect to happen in Portmahomack! Come and join in in the fun and games!
Expect a night of fun and games at our Family Quiz in the Carnegie Hall. The quiz will be a mix of general knowledge and fun questions, suitable for all ages. There will be prizes for the winning team, so come along and show off your knowledge! We hope to see you there!
Calling all bingo lovers! Join us for a night of fun and prizes at our bingo event! Bingo night is the perfect way to relax and have some fun with friends and family. It's BYOB, by the way.
Summoning all photographers! The Portmahomack Gala Photography Competition will be back for another year with a new theme and two categories for entry: Adult and Junior. Winners of each category will receive their photos printed on an enlarged canvas.
Join us for an evening of nail-biting excitement at the Portmahomack Gala Race Night! Enjoy a glass or two of your favourite tipple while you watch the horses race for cash prizes. Betting slips are £1 each, and you can buy as many as you want. Or, for £5, you can become a horse owner and win even more!
Join us for a night of fun and excitement at our annual Gala casino night! Hosted by the golf club, we'll have all of your favourite casino games, including blackjack and roulette (not forgetting the raffle!). We hope to see you there!
Watch your wee ones get creative and explore their senses by getting messy. Messy play is a great way for children to interact with each other, share ideas and work together to create things. Best of all, it lets them have fun!
The 2023 Fishing Competition is back and better than ever. This year, we're offering prizes for the best boat, best individual catch, and best junior angler.
Calling all young crabbers! If you're ready to put your skills to the test and have some fun into the bargain, then meet us at the 'slippy'. There will be prizes for the biggest crab and the most crabs caught.
Participate in a fun-filled day exploring Portmahomack at the annual Walking Treasure Hunt! There’s a different theme every year. The treasure hunt will take you to a variety of locations throughout the village, where you'll find some clues to solve. Unravel all the clues to find the treasure!
Come down to Balnabruach and take part in our Catapult Target Shooting Competition. A test of your accuracy and skill, you will have to fire your catapult at targets from a distance. Not as easy as you might think!
Attention all movie lovers! Join us for a special day of cinema at Carnegie Hall. We'll be showing a recently released children's film that the whole family can enjoy in the early afternoon, followed by a grown-up film in the early evening.
Come on you kids. Join us for a day of fun and games at our sports day! It's the perfect way to get some exercise and have some fun with friends and family. So mark your calendars and head on down to the school playing field. We'll have a variety of activities to choose from, including sack race, three-legged race, egg and spoon race, tug-of-war, relay race, obstacle course and more! There will be prizes for the winners, so come ready to compete!
Experience a night of music and entertainment at the Portmahomack Gala Concert, featuring performances by local talent, including singers, dancers, musicians, and more. A well-known and much anticipated event in the area, the concert will be held at the historic Carnegie Hall in Portmahomack. It promises to be a night to remember.
Calling all sandcastle builders! The sandcastle competition is an annual favourite. To enter, simply bring your bucket, spade, and imagination down to the beach and join in an afternoon of fun. There will be prizes for the best sandcastles.
Some members claim they play better with three clubs than they do with a full set! The rules are simple: you can only use two clubs and a putter. That's it! You'll need to use your creativity and your skill to get the ball around the course. Will you choose a driver and a long iron for distance? Or a hybrid and a wedge for accuracy? It's up to you. So grab your clubs and head down to the club. Prize money for the top three best scorers.
Ballone Castle, 12.30 - 5pm
(Run by volunteers from Portmahomack Coastal Rowing Club)
Free entry. Free BBQ, teas, coffee and baking. (Donations graciously accepted)
Draught Beer, Raffle, Baking Competition, Pet Competition, Children's Sports, Field Events, Tug of War, Welly Toss, Sack over the bar, Shot Putt
Various Races, (Inc family fancy dress race)
Other events to be announced later.
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