Ten-year-old Olivia Hamilton was crowned Cumbrae Queen inside the beautiful Garrison House on Saturday.

Ten-year-old Olivia Hamilton was crowned Cumbrae Queen inside the beautiful Garrison House on Saturday.

For only the third time in 52 years, bad weather dictated that the ceremony be held inside.

It has also been held twice inside because of the lack of an outdoor facility, but in the past it has been held in the Garrison gardens.

Queen-to-be Olivia travelled in the royal coach, accompanied by her retinue, from Kames Bay to the pier. After meeting up with Millport pipe band, who led the procession, she travelled to the Garrison.

The parade from Kames Bay was led by a vintage fire engine from the classic car rally - much to everyone’s delight.

Once at the Garrison, the band piped Olivia and the children into the building and she took her seat on the throne.

Page boys (all from P3 Cumbrae Primary) had led the parade, with Aidan Armstrong and Findlay Patrick in front followed by Zac Stevenson carrying the crown and Callum Stewart carrying the sceptre.

Four lovely ladies in waiting (Olivia’s classmates from P6) carried her royal train. The boys were all very smart in kilts, shirts and waistcoats and the girls were beautiful in their white dresses, shrugs and tiaras — Poppy Stevenson, Emma Cassels, Jessica Miller and Louise Groves. Once on the platform, everyone was welcomed by the host, Mary Currie, and the venue was packed with on-lookers. Mary welcomed the families and friends of the children and special guests, Mrs Fiona Molloy, the children’s head teacher, Canon and Mrs Alec Boyd of the cathedral, Rev Markus Thane, minister of Cumbrae Parish Church, Mrs Elizabeth Murphy, the royal dressmaker, Mrs Jan Wilkie, formerly of the school, who had been an invaluable help to the event during her time there, and Mrs Nicky Smith, who was crowing Olivia that day.

As she introduced the children one by one, each was given a rousing applause and a big cheer.

Mary said many of the children’s siblings had been part of the ceremony in the past and she was delighted they had a brother and sister in it this year, Zac and Poppy. She also announced it was Findlay’s birthday that day and everyone sang “happy birthday” to him.

Mary then introduced Mrs Nicky Smith who, she said, had lived on the island for 30 years, before moving to Castle Douglas. She spoke of the years that Nicky had been organist and then locum minister at Cumbrae Parish Church, had taken assemblies at the school, played many times for school entertainments and had also taught netball, volleyball and basketball there.

Nicky then spoke about her time on the island and her fond memories of Olivia and her family, and said she was delighted to have been asked back to the island to carry out this wonderful crowing. She then crowned Olivia Cumbrae Queen 2015.

Olivia then gave the Queen’s speech. It was a very special one as it was the same speech her mum, Jennifer Hamilton, had given when she was crowned Cumbrae Queen in 1981. It was a special moment for mother and daughter.

Everyone then gave three cheers for Her Majesty Queen Olivia.

Mary thanked the children for carrying out their duties so excellently and asked Niki to present the children with a gift from the community.

Queen Olivia then presented Niki with a beautiful bouquet.

Page boy Aiden Armstrong presented Elizabeth Murphy with a bouquet to say thank-you for all her work with the children’s outfits. Elizabeth had made three new dressed this year.

Mary then thanked the parents, whom she said must be so proud of the children that day.

A vote of thanks was given to Millport Pipe Band, to Nicky for carrying out the crowning so graciously, Niki Weipers for driving the royal carriage, John Dryborough and Brian Williamson for the open top cars for the children, and a special thanks to Craigie Frazer, who had overhauled and got the carriage ship-shape again. She also thanked the hard working committee of Andrea McLachlan, Elizabeth Lawson, Christine McCulloch and Kirstin Metcalf.

The royal children then left the Garrison House and made an appearance, piped by the band, at the classic car rally.

Queen Olivia then carried out her first royal duty and presented a trophy to the best car. Everyone was delighted when this was the vintage fire engine.

A massive parade then took place along the seafront, led by Queen Olivia, and included all the children in the open top cars followed by all of the 29 classic cars.

A lovely afternoon tea took place inside the Garrison for all the guests. It was a wonderful day and was not spoiled in any way by the changeable weather.

A huge congratulations to Queen Olivia and the royal children and everyone hopes she has a lovely reign.

Page boy Findlay, celebrating his birthday, is presented with cake by Mary Currie The girls and their mums Olivia is crowned by Nicky Smith Royal retinue: Emma, Jessica, Olivia, Poppy and Louise Page boys Aiden, Callum, Zac and Findlay The crowning ceremony Royal arrival with the pipe band adding to the special occasion Crowning glory: Olivia starts her royal duties PICTURES: AILSA TOMANY