Don has a steadying hand on Arran Show ‘rudder’
Arran Farmers’ Society Show Wednesday August 2, Glenkiln
Donald Robertson, Beinnview, a great stalwart of Arran Farmers’ Society, was recently elected as president after the sad and untimely passing of George Tod.
Don attended his first show in 1939. In 1946, aged 11, his first exhibit was an Ayrshire in the senior stirk class. The show that year, held at Balnacoole, signified a start to showing again after the war years.
Showing must have been in his genes as he continued exhibiting from then until 2003 – a very special year when three generations of the Robertson family took a role, ultimately lifting the top prize. Don won many accolades, not least eight overhead championships, and now deservedly holds the highest position in the society.
This time round the Drakes of Hazard will be waddling down from Luss to entertain all with their antics in the main ring. Mark Wylie and his team promise not just one, but two, quacking good routines.
As an added extra, David Shaw, from Sorn, is bringing over his working threshing mill and vintage tractor to let the more mature re-live old memories, and the young see a machine they will never have heard of. A baler will be in action too.
The judges putting their reputation on the line in August are: cattle – Eion Brown, Aoradh, Gruinart, Isle of Islay; horse showing – Susan Mitchell, Kirklee, Kilmaurs; working hunter – John Cartner, Barskimming, Mauchline; blackface/Leicester – David Jackson, Pole Farm, Lochgoilhead; texel/Suffolk/other breeds (+ fleece) – Alan Clark, North Garngour, Lanark; dogs – M Wheeler, Corrie; sticks – R Reid, Carnwath; tractors – Campbell Scott, director Massey Ferguson. Dogs, sticks and vintage tractor classes are open to all.
Fantastic prizes are up for grabs in the grand prize draw. Over the years the contribution from the sale of the tickets has become a major part in the continuation of the show. The society is extremely grateful to the donors of the prizes – Island Meats, R Stewart Engravers, Kilmarnock, Best Western Kinloch Hotel, Arran Aromatics, R & L Miller Ltd, Dalry, Portavadie, Loch Fyne, and Andy Gray Digital; not forgetting the five £100 cash prizes donated by the society itself. Tickets are on sale now.
The society would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank their very generous sponsors – George Leslie Ltd, Jewsons Irvine, CalMac, J Cooper & Co, Linton McMillan, John Kerr, and Armitage Groundworks. Also the many agricultural suppliers/stockists, from fuel companies to animal feeds, for their tremendous support and prizes.
A great variety of stands have already secured their slot. If anyone is interested in joining the day and wish to book a stand, contact Christine on 01770 820291.
Exhibitors in the cattle, sheep and horse sections are reminded that for entries in the catalogue the closing date is Friday June 16.
Make Wednesday August 2 a date for your diary not to be missed and there is free car parking.