Aberfeldy on film and in top form

Cameras roll at gathering in Wades Park

The judging of livestock on Saturday morning, the second day of the Atholl and Breadalbane Agricultural Show and Highland Gathering at Wade’s Park, Aberfeldy, was followed by an afternoon of entertainment and competitions.

Weather conditions were as predicted - no rain and fine for spectators, competitors, and livestock.

A march into the arena by the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band led by Drum Major Kenny Forbes, was followed by the official opening of the games by the 2018 chieftain Dr Hamish McBride.

The parade included members of the Clan Menzies, competitors, conveners and committee members.

Dr McBride presented the Mains of Murthly Cup for long service in agriculture and a framed certificate from the Royal Highland Agricultural Society to Gordon Barrack to mark his 30 years at Tirinie.

A cheque for £3500 was presented to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance by members of Angus and Perthshire branch of the NFU and accepted by David Bywater, a paramedic, Meg Farrow, and Margaret Hebbourn, from NFU Mutual.

There was a full programme of Highland dancing, piping, running, backhold wrestling, tug o’ war, and terrier racing, plus a horticultural show and an industrial section, featuring the work of Women’s Institutes.

The carrying of the Menzies Stone again attracted many young and very young men and some girls who were not quite able to lift the stone, but were all cheered on in their efforts.

The event was greatly enjoyed by spectators and eventually won by local lad Ally Marshall for the third successive year.

The interest of foreign TV crews in Aberfeldy Show continued and this year saw coverage, and experimental participation, by a team from Belgium led by Stijn van der Stockt, a presenter with a show called ‘Bye Bye Britain’.

Stijn said: “We are covering many events throughout the United Kingdom that we will miss most when you leave us, and this includes your wonderful Highland Games.”

For much of the afternoon Stijn wore a Black Watch tartan kilt, and was later coached in the correct techniques of the hammer throw.

Duncan Shand, one of the conveners at the heavy events, said: “There was room for improvement in Stijn’s performance!’’

Stijn was advised to train and come back next year.

Stands at the Highland dancing and main ring were busy throughout the afternoon.

Attendance numbers were well up to the 4000 of recent years and spectators voiced their appreciation of the efforts of athletes in the heavyweight events, especially during the caber toss.