The historic Carters Society has selected a new Captain for the first time in eight years as Irvine celebrates Marymass 2022.
Gordon Storrar was chosen to head up the historical society at the festival's opening ceremony and replaces the long-standing Danny Kerr.
The 59-year-old was thrilled to have been elected as Captain after joining the society more than 20 years ago.
He said: "I'm well chuffed. I can't thank the Carters enough for their confidence and I will do my best for the good people of Irvine.
"It felt amazing to see so many people celebrate the opening ceremony last night and I'd like to thank everyone for their congratulations.
"I hope my legacy will be one as strong as Captain Kerr's. He has done an amazing job throughout the years, especially by keeping Marymass in the minds of the Irvine people while the festival was cancelled due to the pandemic."
Captain Storrar continued: "I'm Irvine born and bred and I've loved Marymass since I was young.
"I remember watching the parade with my family as a wee boy and following the parade on my bike. I never would have thought one day I'd be Captain.
"My wife Lorraine is so happy for me but this year, instead of Lorraine crowning the Queen, it'll be my daughter Emma.
"This will be a historic year and the organisers have really outdone themselves and I'm excited to see all of the new events, like jousting and the free family zone in the Moor – to name a few."
Captain Kerr was first elected in 2008 before briefly stepping down in 2014 to make way for Captain Willie McColl, but took up the post again full-time in 2015.
He said: "I'm quite happy and I wish Captain Storrar well. I'm looking forward to seeing him putting his own stamp on Marymass and looking forward to seeing what ideas he brings.
"For me, being Captain has been a good, long journey. The highlight for me every year is the parade and you always seem to see people standing in the same spot where their parents and grandparents stood.
"I think my favourite memory is when we had the Canadian Pipe Band over. I never thought I would have held the position for so long and I'm looking forward to this Saturday."
The news of Captain Storrar's ascension was announced on the Marymass social media pages and fans of the annual fête were thrilled with the new selection.
Former Marymass Queen Kerris Galloway, who is the longest-serving queen in living memory, also congratulated the new Captain online.
Speaking about the Royal Party, Captain Storrar said: "Queen elect Kendyl and her four Marys Skye, Lilly, Lucie and Chloe are all so proud to be representing the youth of Irvine and are a credit to their families and communities.
"I'm hopeful the sun is shining for the girls and the good people of Irvine on the big day."
The first Captain to hold the title was William Malcolm and he was elected in 1775 until 1776.
Historically, the Carters moved materials from one part of Scotland to another and formed the society in 1670 and it was formally instituted by Irvine Town Council in 1753.
According to the Marymass website, the first occasion the Carters were associated with Mary, Queen of Scots, was at the Battle of Langside in 1568, when they rallied to her banner.
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