Visitors’ verdict: ‘Just awesome’
The 135th Strathardle Highland Gathering and Agricultural Show at Bannerfield, Kirkmichael, on Saturday, has been hailed as an outstanding success.
The afternoon events were this year enhanced by the participation of a large group of visitors from Winnipeg, Canada, on a tour of Scotland.
The younger visitors entered the Highland dancing competitions and featured in the prize list.
The adults took part in other events, bringing their welcome enthusiasm and sense of fun to the arena contests.
They also entered teams in the tug o’ war, the emphasis again being on “fun”, and joined the experienced tug o’ war pullers in playing their part in entertaining the crowd and contestants.
A spokesperson for the Winnipeg group gave her assessment as: “Awesome. It was all just awesome!”
One or two dark clouds flirted with the area but the rain stayed away and conditions for the morning agricultural show and afternoon games were almost perfect.
Local heavyweight games were held before the traditional march over the bridge to Bannerfield led by Chieftain Sir Michael Nairn, and Coupar Angus Pipe Band – led by Pipe Major Kevin Douglas. The Bannerfield Standard was carried by Alec Rattray, the Gathering committee’s vice-president. Fellow committee members, as well as local Beavers and Cubs, also took part in the procession.
The Robertson Cup local tug o’ war contest between teams representing Blackwater and Strathardle was not held this year due to differences in the interpretation of residential qualifications, it is understood
Nevertheless, the open tug o’ war contests benefited from the great fun engendered by the visitors from Winnipeg. The men’s contest was eventually won 2-0 by Mount Blair, who beat Strathardle in the final. Strathardle Girls won the women’s event.
The afternoon programme of competitions and entertainment continued with Highland dancing, heavyweight events and piping contests, and races for children and young adults.
Trophies and awards won in the agricultural and industrial sections were handed over by Morag Lang, who was presented with a floral arrangement by Holly Webster. There was a special presentation to Mrs Lang’s husband, Jim, in recognition of the family’s many years of support for the show by providing catering.
A new trophy, donated in memory of Kitty and Claire Andrew, was presented to the winners of the fancy dress competition.
The extra numbers taking part meant the gathering lasted much longer than planned but it was an indication of the success of this year’s event that there were still several hundred spectators at the ground when the gathering was brought to a close at 6.15pm with musical cars for the Robert Sample Trophy.
The annual favourite was won by runner Jamie Gray, in a car driven by Luke Hayfield. Jamie’s uncle, Gordon Duncan, was runner-up with wife, Jo, behind the wheel.
On the outskirts of the arena, Kirkmichael Primary School, Kirkmichael Session House and Perth Autism Support were among those to have fundraising stalls.
As well as the funfair, and trade stands on Saturday also saw the return of the popular dog show and an increased showing of vintage vehicles.
Games Chieftain Sir Michael – who used his opening speech to draw parallels between the Games and several aspects of the recently-completed Olympics in Rio de Janerio – later said it was an outstanding success.
He said: “Throughout the afternoon the active participation of local people and visitors showed their great enthusiasm for sports and this greatly contributed to a great day.”
Show president David Houstoun said: “It was a very good day and the atmosphere was fantastic.”