1953 Coronation

“Tiree’s Coronation [of Queen Elizabeth II] celebrations began on May 28 [1953] with the Local Mod, for which one of the three Coronation Holidays was used, and with such a good start, the advent of cold weather did not prevent the subsequent programme of events planned by the Coronation Committee from being carried through.

“At the closing of the schools on Friday, there was held in each case an appropriate ceremony at which the souvenir mugs, pencils and Lord’s Day Observance booklets were handed over to the pupils as gifts from Argyll Education Committee. In Ruaig and Scarinish Schools, Rev. D. Lamont conducted a short service, and in Balemartin and Hillipol Schools Col. the Rev. K. Scott-Ross similarly impressed on the minds of the children the importance of the occasion.

“In Cornaigmore J. S. School, the Headmaster [Allan MacDougall] read appropriate short passages from Scripture to point out the significance of the Great Day, and after the singing of praise in both Gaelic and English, he called on Mr. M. M. MacLean, County Councillor, who was accompanied by Mr. A. H. MacPhail, District Clerk, to hand over the attractive gift souvenirs to all the pupils. On resuming work in school on Wednesday, a short silence of dedication and prayer was observed at the beginning of the customary weekly religious assembly of all pupils and staff.

“Coronation Day itself found many of the island houses gaily beflagged, and in the afternoon, despite the cold winds, all roads led to Scarinish for the Gala sports. Events of all kinds with five-a-side football for the youths were carried through, and in the evening a stirring tussle between a local team and one from Messrs. Watson, the contractor at present operating in Tiree [building the Beinn Ghot radar station], ended in a draw of two goals each.

“Local bus and taxi hirers assisted by the large Watson bus put at the disposal of the committee, as were so many other amenities and contributions to the success of the day by this friendly firm, conveyed the public to the field and to the hall where a willing group organised by the Woman’s Guild saw that tea was available for all.

“At dusk crowds gathered at the top of the Ben where the bonfire was lit, and to the music of the pipes and the brilliance of the fireworks there was open air dancing. On Wednesday evening, the celebrations were concluded with a Grand Gala Dance in the Scarinish Hall to music by Downie’s Accordion Band. The bitter wind prevented a few of the older folk from coming out to join in the fun but the island took its full share in the national rejoicing and in toasting the lovely Queen just crowned — Guidheadh ar Cridh ‘s ar Beoil, Gras Dhè an Ban-Righ.”

(Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 13 June 1953, p. 8)

1999.113.19

Bonfire to celebrate another coronation, that of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in May 1937.

As ever, your thoughts and memories are always welcome.

Dr John Holliday