every child as a farewell gift. As the new term of August 1999 quickly approached the opening was again delayed as delivery and arranging of furniture and fittings overran the deadline. A couple of days later all 300 primary children and 60 nursery children attended the brand new Alexander Peden Primary. Head Teacher and Assistant Head Teacher positions had been advertised although classroom teachers and other existing staff from both Harthill and Benhar were transferred to the new school. Members of both School Boards forfeited the remainder of their existing terms making way for a fresh new School Board to be elected. Miss Morag Hay was the first Head Teacher of Alexander Peden Primary and Mrs Tina Milligan was the first Deputy Head. Polkemmet Country Park The Polkemmet House estate was purchased by West Lothian District Council in 1978, and was redeveloped as a country park, opening in 1981. Gala Day The Gala Day has been a tradition in Harthill for over 100 years and includes the neighbouring villages of Eastfield and Greenrigg. A day of fun which begins with the colourful parade of floats, bands and people in fancy dress which marches from the Alexander Peden Primary School on through the streets of all three villages and on into Harthill Public Park. The Crowning Ceremony in the park ends the parade, then the Queen begins the sports and fun. Recent years have seen all sorts of events including para-gliding exhibitions, birds of prey, fireworks display and much more. The travelling fair known locally as 'the shows' are also an attraction during Gala week. Harthill, Eastfield and Greenrigg Children's Gala Day is held annually on the 2nd Saturday in June. Greenrigg only once held its own Gala day. This happened in 1947 and was held in the Polkemmet estate for the children. Football Harthill is home to the Scottish Junior Football Association (SJFA) club Harthill Royal F.C. Harthill Junior Football Team play in the East of Scotland Junior Football leagues. The SJFA restructured prior to the 2006–07 season, and Royal found themselves in the fifteen-team East Region, South Division with Armadale Thistle, Blackburn United, Broxburn Athletic, Dalkeith Thistle, Dunbar United, Edinburgh United, Haddington Athletic, Livingston United, Pumpherston, Sauchie, Stoneyburn, Tranent and West Calder United. Although Harthill itself is located in the North Lanarkshire Council authority, the Gibshill park and clubhouse are located in Greenrigg, West Lothian. Facilities include, a floodlight,