Not to be confused with the larger annual Gala day at that July in 1978, a separate Miners’ Welfare gala took place on Saturday 26th August.

Miss Margo Cairney aged 12 of St Blane’s Primary School was the Blantyre Miner’s Welfare Gala Queen. A panel of celebrities including European Champion Boxer, Jim Watt, chose Margo and her 4 ladies in waiting.

The Ladies in Waiting were Christine Murdoch (11) from David Livingstone Primary School, Elizabeth McMahon (11) of same school, Yvonne McKeown (11) of St Joseph’s Primary and Lesley Callaghan (10) of St Cuthberts.

Margo was crowned on Saturday 26^th August 1978 by the wife of comedian guest of honour Ben Gunn at the David Livingstone Centre Grounds.

Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said,

Carol Porter Lovely to see a pic of Christine. Have many great memories growing up with her. RIP Christine

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Caroline Kilgour Me too Carol, was just thinking about Christine the other day xx

Catherine McLachlan Lesley Mcginty in your glad rags honey

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Lesley Mcginty Omg lol , remember it well xx

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Catherine McLachlan Great photo Lesley. I love this site brings back lots of memories

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Lesley Mcginty Catherine McLachlan I had a peach dress and got picked up on a taxi with balloons

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Catherine McLachlan Amazing Lesley x

Marion Murdoch Christine was our niece will never forget her .her story about being one of the first female hgv drivers was in the paper she was so proud of her achievement sadly as you will know she died doing the job she loved still miss her cheery face xxx

Ann Macsporran Margo Cassidy xx