No problem for Houston
They couldn’t run it in the usual field - so the Houston Show hit the road.
The farmers jumped in their cabs for the Tractor Run as a show of strength for what they do on the land, and to support the villagers.
People were urged to ‘Wave in their Wellies’ from the doorstep and that is exactly what they did.
Tom Stuart, president of the Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society, said: “We thought it very important to remind people we are still here as this is the second year we have been unable to stage the event.
“But, in many ways, we have attracted a new audience - so here’s hoping they will join us in the playing field next year on the first Saturday in June.”
The Friday night tractor run was led by committee member Robert Wilson on his truck.
President Tom praised his niece Emma Harper, Kerry Crichton and Megan Russell for running a “very successful” social media campaign including videos before, during and after the event.
He said: “A virtual show was vital to let everyone know we are still here as we had nothing at all in 2020.
“This will help take us to next year when we expect to be back in our proper place.
“The reaction to the tractor run was overwhelmingly good and it was heartening to see everyone on the streets waving their wellies.
“We have been blown away by the amount of positive comments from the public.
“There was tractors of all shapes, sizes and ages, including a 1962 Fordson Super Dexta, which really did take me back in time.”
One of the star attractions was a Mini Cooper dressed in fake cow hide, which became a ‘Mini Coo-per’.
Owner Ritchie Mackay blared out moo-ing noises from a loudspeaker.
The convoy stopped as a mark of respect outside the Kirk Street home of past president Ian Simpson, who died recently.
Ian helped reorganise the show to its current structure.
Various competitions were run online and there was a virtual dressage event.