Sea change: How the Herring Queen brought promise and joy to a small Scottish town

The annual coronation of a young girl symbolised a fishing community's hopes. Now, as the industry declines, it has evolved to reflect the powerful role of women and the change they bring about

Photographs by Christopher Thomond

The sun is battling the clouds, but the forecast rain holds off as the flotilla enters the harbour. Lining the quayside, hundreds of local people and tourists cheer each boat as it appears, and the sound of a pipe band skirls on the breeze as families crane their necks. They are looking for WaveDancer, the final, most important vessel. Today it is carrying an honoured passenger: the Eyemouth Herring Queen.

Fourteen-year-old Holly Blackie is the 80th Eyemouth Herring Queen (EHQ) and this year is particularly special as 50 former queens have travelled from all over the world to witness her coronation.

Holly Blackie is crowned by the outgoing Herring Queen, Sophie Crowe