Of Fairs and Fairies

Don't Doubt the Magic

Why are Scottish people building castles in their suburban streets?

Just a few centuries ago in Scotland, colliers, or coal miners, existed as slaves, each forced by law to work at the same coal mine for their whole life. At the end of the eighteenth century, laws were passed to grant their freedom. The miners of Bo’ness decided to celebrate with an annual summer fair, which continues to this day, now as a children’s fair. Every year, a queen is chosen from among the pupils at one of the local primary schools (which take it in turns to put forward a monarch), and their classmates became the royal retinue.

Other Scottish towns have galas and fair days with queens, but Bo’ness, a wee town on the Firth of Forth, takes it to another level. Around midsummer, arches resembling fairy-princess castles appear across the town. These impressive structures, usually made from recycled wood, are built and decorated by friends and families. The town itself grinds to a cheering halt on Fair Day as bands process with the queen to be crowned. Even Tesco closes – did that happen for King Charles’ coronation?