SANQUHAR Academy have chosen 15-year-old Heather Grierson, a fourth year pupil to be Queen for this year’s Riding of the Marches.

She is the third daughter of Scott and Yvonne of Crichton Road, following her sisters Paula and Jill as Sanquhar Queens in 2010 and 2011, and has a younger sister Georgy.

She will sit seven National Highers 5s this year, and hopes to become a nursery teacher or beautician. Heather also enjoys horse riding and has ridden the Marches twice.

The Grierson family have a long connection with the marches, and all are delighted that Heather has been chosen. She herself is chuffed to bits. Her dad Scott was ensign in 2005, sister Paula-Cornet’s lass in 2013, grandad George was Ensign in 1984, grandma Elizabeth- Cornet’s lass in 1961, cousin Murray was Cornet in 2017, other family members also held positions .

Heather’s attendants are Erin McColm, Cerys Gibson and Chloe Scott are all in fourth year at the Academy studying for seven National 5’s.

Erin McColm, also aged 15, lives with dad Ian and mum Jacqueline at Nivison Avenue. Erin also looks to take higher history, but not yet set on a career. although a possible is something in biology environment science. She works part-time at Burnside Tearoom, and enjoys indie music, reading and drama.

Her mum and dad are very proud of her, as is brother Murray. She looks forward to August, and enjoys dressing up and dances. Cousin Jamie McColm has been Herald at last year’s Kirkconnel Gala Day.

Another 15-year-old, Cerys Gibson is the daughter of dad Lindsay and mum Sharron, and with brother Louis and sister Leia live in Deerpark Avenue. She hopes to go to university to train as a primary teacher, she likes the company of friends and shopping, and enjoys music generally.

The family are all very happy for her and will give great support, she is very excited at being chosen and looks forward to August, dressing up and dancing. Her dad’s uncle Allason was Ensign in 2010.

Attendant Chloe Scott lives at Nivison Cross Court with mum Jill and wee brother Zak. She hopes to study physiotherapy at university, is also interested in heart conditions. She works part-time in a local chip shop, and says it helps give her confidence. Likes music , PE and sport are her other interests. She is very excited and mum has promised to give her lots of help, she looks forward to the social side in August but will enjoy being with her friends.

This year’s Herald is 11-year-old Campbell Moffat, who is in P7 at Sanquhar Primary. His dad is Alan and mum Shirley and the family stay in Glendyne Place.

He enjoys school and looks forward to going to Sanquhar Academy after the summer holidays. His big interest is football, and enjoys playing the game, he also follows Rangers and Man United. Looking to the future he would like to become a policeman.

His Xbox is in constant use. He was pleased to have been chosen Herald, and mum and dad are pleased also, and will give him their full support. He knows the girls in the ‘QueensParty’ and looks forward to their help in August. Campbell enjoys reading which will be a big help on the day.

Page Harris Crosbie is in P2 at Sanquhar primary and lives at Dunlop Court with dad Gary and mum Robyn and has a wee sister Rosie, aged 4. At school he loves maths, art and sport. He enjoys football with his pals and follows Rangers and Liverpool. He was very pleased to be picked for Page, and looks forward to carry the queens crown in front of everyone.

His mum and dad are very proud and all are looking forward to August. It will be very special for Harris as he will be installed on his birthday.

This is a group of very nice young people who will do a great job for their schools, and Sanquhar – we wish them all the best.

Words by Jim Pirrie. Picture by Andrew McDowall Jnr