A GREAT crowd turned out in the Hillfoots at the weekend as Tillicoultry Gala made a return on a sunny day.

Organised by Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton & Devonside Community Council, the event drew hundreds of people on Sunday, June 19.

There was plenty on with the Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band leading the parade along with gala queen and king Jess McArra and Craig Smith to the Public Park for an afternoon of activities.

There were mini highland games, a football tournament, bouncy castles and rides for young people, stalls from a variety of organisations, dancing, music and much more for all the family to enjoy.

Damian Sherwood-Johnson, chair of the community council, told the Advertiser: "It went spectacularly well, it was just amazing to have the gala return to Tillicoultry after the last couple of years.

"A great crowd of people turned out, honestly, we were really impressed with the numbers and it really lifted the whole atmosphere, there was a real buzz, people could definitely feel something exciting was happening."

Stalls included the community council's Grow and Grab Grub initiative while people also had the chance to have their say on the upcoming community action plan, a stall by Wee County Men's Shed, Scottish Water and Alva Academy Macmillan.

Displays were also on by Alba Dance School and Clarissa Rose Highland Dance.

Damian added: "There was a huge amount happening, with glorious weather, we didn't notice the crowd thinning out until about 4pm."

He wanted to thank sponsors Laura’s Tilly Tearoom, The Keystore in Tillicoultry, Sterling Furniture, William Duncan Electrician, Heating and Plumbing Ltd., The Royal Arms, The Bottle Genies, Dewar Brothers Packaging Solutions Ltd and Ochil Eyes.

Still buzzing from the event the day after, Damian said he was looking forward to organising it all again next year.

He said: "We just think we can get bigger and better form what we achieved yesterday, it was a huge success and just makes us really excited for what we can deliver next year."