SPLENDID sunshine greeted the crowning of 54th Cumbrae queen Lydia Hutchinson.

The long-held traditional island event was a special day for ten-year-old Lydia, who even had brother Kyle as one of her page boys.

Queen Lydia and her retinue arrived in the royal carriage to the skirl of the bagpipes, provided by the Millport Pipe Band.

The official crowning was carried out by retired island butcher David Cameron, who has been a strong supporter of the Cumbrae Queen over the years.

Compere was island bus driver and Burns speaker Robert Wilson who made sure the event went smoothly with a good sprinkling of humour.

Lydia's lady-in-waiting is Reegan McNair, who attends the James McFarlane School.

Lydia's mum Gabrielle, who owns the Millport Holiday Park caravan site in Golf Road, said: “She was definitely made for the role, she loved every minutes of it."

Kyle carried Lydia’s crown, Harvey Stevenson carried the sceptre and Mark McArthur was the train bearer.

Island choral group Sonoro was on hand to provide some uplifting music to add to the terrific atmosphere on the day.

Andrea McLachlan, of the gala queen committee, said: "The event is part of tradition.

"The Garrison is a great setting, and it is terrific to be linked up with the classic car show. It was very nice as she walked through the garden and received a special cheer from the classic car drivers."

Lydia will now carry out a number of important engagements including presenting prizes at the annual raft race.

Lydia's first duty as queen was to present the trophies for the winning vehicles in the classic car show - and proudly pinned the winner's rosette to Scott McAleese for his Jaguar XK150 Roadster.

Photos: John Keachie