No drawing the short straw for these bale artists

A giant straw teddy bear sculpture constructed by Bankfoot young farmers has won a national bale art competition.

The artwork in a Perthshire field was judged by TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and beat more than 50 other entries from around Scotland.

Straw trains, tractors, iconic Scottish brands and models of the new Queensferry Crossing were up against bale art of collie dogs, a selection of farm animals, Bill and Ben, a clown and a bride and groom.

“All the entries were fabulous and I loved judging them,” said Ms Kelly.

“Selecting a winner was extremely hard but in the end it just had to be the three teddies.”

The initial construction of the Bankfoot bears took place during torrential rain and the teddies sustained some “injury” in an overnight storm, but some emergency repair work the next day had them looking better than ever.

The runner-up club in the national competition was Thornhill young farmers from Dumfries and Galloway with a Bill and Ben bale art entry. Strathearn JAC was also shortlisted for their entry.

The young farmers hoped to inspire people to donate to STV Children’s Appeal via the www.justgiving.com bale art page.

They were also encouraged to include the Scotch lamb logo in their entries.

SAYFC chairwoman Suzie Dunn said: “Well done to Bankfoot and all the finalist clubs and to all those club members throughout Scotland who took part this year.

“It’s been great to see the Scotch lamb brand taking pride of place in the bale art displays too – our thanks to Quality Meat Scotland for their support.”

the entries were fabulous and I loved judging them.

LORRAINE KELLY