A right royal show with something for everyone
An impressive 190,000 visitors flocked in brilliant sunshine to the annual celebration of farming, food and rural life that is the Royal Highland Show.
As the 178th show drew to a close, Jimmy Warnock, chairman of the event’s organiser, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, said: ‘The feedback on this year’s show has been incredible – yes the weather played its part but overwhelmingly visitors are amazed with the scale and size of the event with every part of the showground brimming with things to see and do for the whole family.
‘Thanks must be given to the volunteers, exhibitors and public who have again supported this event in their thousands – it all goes to ensuring the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland continues its charitable remit to support and showcase the best in food, farming and rural life.’
There was plenty of Argyll and Bute interest across the four-day event, held between June 21 and 24 – people showing, manning stands, officiating, judging and simply enjoying the event as spectators.
Away from the commercial livestock – which can be read all about on pages 50 and 51 – Kintyre once again shone in the dairy products awards.
The champion cheese title was won by Isle of Kintyre Ltd, trading as Inverloch Cheese Company with Drumloch cheddar, which also was deemed the best cheddar exhibit and the best Scottish cheese exhibit. Drumloch also scooped the award for the best Small Producers Cheddar Cheese - Mild.
Also in the Scotland’s Larder Live! hall, there was the Scottish Bread Championships. Luing Bakery, based at Cullipool House on the Argyll island, won two bronze medals - for ‘bread from Scottish-grown flour’ and also for ‘a traditional or ancient Scottish recipe’.
And there was a good deal equine success – particularly for the Isle of Bute.
Yvonne Crawford from Stuck Farm won fourth prize with her gelding Anghus Of Rhubodach among the inhand Highland ponies.
Bordergrove Stud won third with a foal in the sport horses in-hand and a fourth in the yearling class. And, in the small riding horse section, Laura McArthur from Rothesay won a second prize.
Aside from the white-heat of competition, many other Argyll and Bute folk were there enjoying an ice cream while taking the many attractions around the Ingliston showground.