Two young Hawick girls had a day to remember on Friday, being treated to a Princess for a Day package won by their father in a charity auction.
However, Sarah and Emily McLeod only got to enjoy the experience together after a series of local businesses pulled together to double the package after hearing about the tragic loss of the girls’ mother.
Father Ross had bid for the package at Wedderburn Castle near Duns as part of the Cash for Kids charity auction on Radio Borders, which raised almost £6,500 in total.
Intending it only for his eldest daughter, Sarah, 5, Ross was astounded when told it would be for both girls.
After being told the girls had lost their mum by Ross’ friend and Radio Borders presenter Stuart McCulloch Candy Rafferty, Radio Borders Cash for Kids manager, set about trying to make the day available to both girls.
She said: “It was the easiest thing in the world. I explained the situation and the businesses couldn’t do enough. They just bent over backwards - it was amazing.”
The princesses had their hair styled were fitted out with tiaras and princess outfits tailored to their specifications by A Perfect Fit in Coldstream.
Attendants included Brian Rafferty – Royal Warrant holder and hairdresser to the Queen when she’s in Scotland.
Among the princesses’ royal duties was the official opening of Wedderburn Barns, a new party and wedding venue at the castle.
Throughout the day official photographs were taken by Pictorial Photographs and lunch included a selection of special cupcakes designed especially for the day by Borders Cakes and Cupcakes.
And, unbeknown to Ross and his daughters, they were treated to a surprise horse and carriage ride, provided by the Cornhill Carriage Company.
Ross said: “It was brilliant. I was so shocked when Candy phoned and asked if both girls would want to go!
“The girls had a ball. They fair enjoyed it, and when the horse and carriage arrived they were speechless. It is something they won’t forget.”
Cat Macdonald-Home from Wedderburn Castle said: “The girls were the prettiest princesses we could imagine thanks to all the generous suppliers, and having a carriage ride around the grounds really made their day complete.”