Cattle show is coming home
NICOLA FINDLAY
East Kilbride Cattle Show is most definitely coming home – and organisers promise this year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever.
It will return to where it all began nearly 250 years ago – the Show Park – on July 27 for the first time since 2015.
The oldest agricultural show in Scotland, it temporarily moved to The National Museum of Rural Life in Kittochside.
But a new committee has taken oven the reins this year and as well as all the cattle classes, show jumping and heavy horse classes, there are some new attractions this year to get all the family involved.
A Farm Animal Barn will allow kiddies to get up close and personal to every creature great and small – from Shetland ponies to alpacas.
There will also be a craft fair with over 40 stands and the cattle show is teaming up with East Kilbride Thistle to offer fun session for girls hot on the heels on the success of the Women’s World Cup.
A fun fair, face painting, ferret and owl racing and a beer tent for the adults in sure to keep all ages amused.
New chairman, Sandy Wilkie, who is also a director of the Royal Highland Show in Ingleston, told the News: “There will be something for everyone to see, with over 1000 animals from traditional cows, sheep and horses to alpacas, pigs, pygmy goats, pups and poultry.
“Most importantly, it’s back where it belongs in the Show Park and I want to see it grow and develop while making it more relevant today.
“East Kilbride is the biggest town in Scotland and in years gone by farming was integral to it.
“The show is part of the town’s heritage and we want to build up to something very special for its 250th anniversary in a few years’ time.
“We want the people of the town to come along and enjoy the show, see as much as they can and learn as much as they can about the world of farming.
“A big part of it is also educating children about agriculture and where their food comes from.”
The fun kick-off from 9am and entry is £5 for adults with younger children free and teens and pensioners half price.