A GLOBAL pandemic will not stop Cairneyhill's 50th annual gala from going ahead as the village prepares for a virtual fun day instead.

The event is moving inside and to home this year as the COVID-19 outbreak spelled the end for their special anniversary gala plans.

The gala committee had held a charity fundraiser in February which raised more than £3,000 for the big day scheduled for Saturday.

With the original plans now shelved, organisers have put together a virtual gala week for all ages which will finish with a 'garden gala day' on Saturday.

Claire Middlebrook, from the committee, said: "Sine the middle of May, Cairneyhill's gala committee have been planing a virtual gala on what should have been our 50th anniversary.

"In February, the gala committee hosted a charity fundraiser at Forrester Park resort in the form of the Golden Gala Ball which raised in excess of £3,000 for the children's gala day.

"Sadly, due to COVID19, as with many other galas, Cairneyhill's special 50th anniversary gala will not go ahead as planned this year.

"However, the committee have generated a huge amount of interest in the village with our virtual gala week!

"Our 50th gala will go ahead and we hope it will be one to remember!"

It started yesterday (Wednesday) with an online pet show with thousands of votes being cast for the best dogs, cats, small animals and unusual pets.

A virtual treasure hunt also took place last night in a timed event with teams having to answer questions and solve puzzles about the village.

An ongoing 'Gala Rocks' competition has also been well entered thus far with children encouraged to decorate rocks in the theme of 'Once Upon a Time in Cairneyhill – Nurseries and Fairytales' and place them on the gala field before winners are chosen.

The week culminates with the gala day itself with residents asked to hold their own 'garden galas'.

Locals will be hanging up the bunting, having barbecues and holding family races and games with images shared on the Cairneyhill Gala Facebook page.