Today's 'Archive Hour' story takes us back to the Arrochar and Tarbet Gala Day 15 years ago this week.

Here's how we covered the event in the Advertiser on August 7, 2003...

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

ARROCHAR and Tarbet gathered for the villages’ annual gala day last weekend.

The event by Tarbet pier on Saturday was deemed ‘a great success’ and hundreds enjoyed a fun day out on the banks of Loch Lomond. Highlights included an air sea rescue, fun fair and the famous raft race in which seven teams took part, picking up a damsel in distress on the way.

A coconut shy, tombola and stalls from Loch Lomond Crafts, Falconry Photos, the National park authority and Loch Lomond rescue boat were among the exhibitors.

Stomachs were catered for with a barbecue and beer tent and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders' pipe band supplied some music.

Funds raised at the event go to various charities benefitting causes such as leukaemia, mountain rescue and the local school and organisers are hoping to beat the £6,000 raised last year.

Chairperson Melanie Tonks said: “Everything went very well, it was very successful and great for everybody.

“We had more shows this year plus the Yankee Flyer again, from Codona’s, which is a great success.

“The raft race was a great success — it’s getting bigger and better every year — this year the army took part for the first time and the fire brigade won it.

“It’s great fun, everyone ends up in the water."