Stuart takes the reins
Stuart hopes for another great year at Alyth event
The new president of Alyth and District Agricultural Show is looking forward to this year’s event, which will take place on Saturday, June 17.
Preparations are already well under way for the 2017 event, which returns to Bogle’s Field off Essendy Road on the outskirts of Blairgowrie for another year.
Alyth livestock farmer Stuart Knox took over for his tenure as president of the show in December at the AGM, when previous show president Ruth King stepped down after her two years at the helm.
A committee member since 1992, and showyard convener for most of those 25 years, Stuart knows the ropes.
He said: “I’ve been working with the committee for a number of years and it’s like a well-oiled machine now.
“We all know what we are doing and have our own areas of responsibility and it works well.”
He went on: “I’m looking forward to the show and of course I’m hoping for good weather.
“The weather we had last year on show day itself was good - it brought out the crowds but wasn’t too hot for the animals, which is just the sort of conditions we want.
“Although I think all the committee and volunteers who help set up the showground could do without the rain we had on the Friday last year!”
Stuart added that he is keen to stick with the show’s winning formula.
He said: “All the traditional elements of the show will be back this year. We’ll maybe have one or two new ideas but on the whole it has been a successful event for the many years it has been in existence so we won’t be changing much.”
As well as the agricultural show of livestock, with cattle, sheep, donkeys and horses, there will be a range of other attractions including trade stands, arts and crafts, a dog show, sheep-shearing, farrier demonstrations, vintage tractors, a fun fair, food and drink stands and children’s activities. The industrial tent will have its traditional baking and produce sections, a floral art section, a handicraft section and photography section.
And the schedule for the industrial tent is available now for budding bakers, crafters, florists and photographers to start practising their techniques for the various classes and categories.
Stuart, who doesn’t show anymore himself, is also pleased that Alyth Show is taking place before the Royal Highland Show in Ingliston again. He said: “The Highland Show is after us again this year which is good for us.
“Some of the cattle farmers in particular like to get their animals out before the Highland so it usually helps to boost our entry numbers.
“We’ll be working hard over the next few months to ensure that we organise another great day out for the whole community.”
For further information on Alyth Show, including schedules, visit the website at www.alythshow.co.uk.