Houston & Killellan Kirk Carnival was a huge success at the weekend, with hundreds of people enjoying the day and helping to raise more than £11,500!

This year’s theme was the Olympics so there were loads of sports stars in our Fancy Dress Competition as well as torch bearers, colourful Olympic ring bearers – and even a Greek goddess or two.

Congratulations to Brownies and Guides who won this year’s contest and to HKK Girls who were runners up.

1^st Houston Boys Brigade Pipe Band led the parade up to the West Halls, where there were plenty of activities, stalls and sideshows including a brilliant bungee run, a pirate run, a giant slide and a bouncy castle to entertain everybody.

The sunny weather meant Andy’s ice cream van did a roaring trade and the vintage bus was a big hit too.

Houston & Killellan Kirk Interim Moderator, Rev Barbara Ann Sweetin, said afterwards that she had been delighted to welcome so many people to the event.

She said: “Our Kirk Carnival was a fantastic day for everybody, and it was wonderful to see so many people, young and old, enjoying themselves.

“We were blessed with glorious sunshine and lots of fun, laughter and smiling faces as the whole community came together to have a great time.

“I’d like to thank all the local businesses who advertised in our Carnival programme and generously donated prizes, as well as all those who volunteered their time and energy to help make sure things ran like clockwork.

“The event itself raised more than £11,500 which is a fantastic amount, so a huge thank you to everyone for all your support, which we really appreciate.

“Every penny raised will help fund the Kirk’s work in the local community, supporting groups, events and activities that are open to everyone.”

Huge thanks to all those who helped set up and clear away, run the Tea Room, stalls and donated home-baking, our brilliant host, DJ Jubbly, 1st Houston BB Pipe Band, Gryffe High School Captains Erin and Nathan, Hugh McKinnon for kindly lending us his lovely car, Andy for his delicious ice creams, Brian Ritchie and Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust and First Aider Martin. We couldn’t do it without you!