History

The very first Gala Day may have been held in Loan head in 1770 when the miners from the Dryden Colliery and their families were invited to celebrate the birthday of local landowner, Lord Lockhart of Carnwarth.

Gala Days are still celebrated by towns and villages all over Scotland, and the traditions vary, but many involve the crowning of a child as the Gala Queen, fancy dress, floats, a parade through the Main Street, races, and large outdoor gatherings and parties.

DAVIDSON'S MAINS CHILDREN'S GALA DAY is a traditional Scottish summer festival event held each year on the 3rd Saturday in June in the village area of Davidson's Mains, North-West Edinburgh. It originally started as a ploughing competition on the grounds of what is today Davidson's Mains Primary School.  

Each year the week-long Festival culminates with the long-established Gala Day Parade through Davidson’s Mains and onto the Gala Day main event in the grounds of Lauriston Castle. 


2024 will be the 90th Anniversary of this Gala Day. The Festival and Gala have been in full existence every year since 1932 with the exception of a break during the 2nd World War and sadly two years of Covid restrictions.

This event can only happen each year with 


• The support and dedication of our local community 

• The express commitment by those who volunteer their time and effort however big or small 

• The varying forms of support from local businesses and voluntary groups 

• Sponsorships and donations 

• City Of Edinburgh Council support  
 


The Gala Association is bound by a formal written Constitution and is a non-political; non-religious and non-profit making body, but is committed to promoting community awareness and inclusion for all who volunteer, participate or attend.

We welcome new committee members and volunteers! Learn more.