Machinery

Enthusiasts to converge on Scone Palace

Scone Palace Parklands will be bursting at the seams next weekend when the Scottish Vintage Tractor and Engine Club stage their 40th Farming Yesteryear event.

Helping swell the numbers is the celebration of 100 years of Fordson and Ford tractors which will witness a large number of blue oval machines from the past. Joining the celebrations will be the Blue Force Club which will once again have their show stand present with exhibits, memorabilia and merchandise.

The Blue Force marquee will be one of several one-make stands that will promote the interests of several makes including David Brown, Ferguson, Case, Massey Harris, County, Massey Ferguson and International.

The International Harvester Club of Great Britain will make their first visit, setting up in the club stand avenue.

Of course all the other well-known makes of tractors available over the years will be on show for the judging and main ring parades. Included among them will be some of the best restored machines in the country and some very nice original examples with a lovely off-farm patina indicating a rich agricultural heritage.

One of the most endearing features of this event is the working area where harvesting methods of old take place with vintage and classic binders, threshing mills, combines and balers all going to work. Also going to work is a selection of horticultural machinery which gives an indication of how our fruit and vegetables were produced in market gardens, orchards, nurseries and small holdings. The working exhibits will be boosted by a larger number of static machines from many long gone concerns.

Another area brimming with action is the stationary engine section which sees many engines driving a whole host of machinery once needed in farming, industry and various trades before the widespread use of main electricity.

This year’s special engine theme is Scottish built engines from the likes of Shanks, Allan and Kelvin.

Heavy horses and rare breeds give a flavour of the livestock heritage of the area as do some of the collections of smaller tools and bygones. Many of the numerous stalls and trade stands will have on offer items to add to your collections or parts to finish a restoration project.

All the other classes of vehicles expected at a vintage rally will be present with steamers, cars, motor bikes, bicycles and fire engines. There will also be a good turnout of the vans and lorries which fetched and carried the goods in and out of farms and factories.

A very popular feature is the military camp set up overlooking the site. Here you will find many a vehicle from World War II when the armed forces and farming fought hard to give us the food and freedom to enjoy our heritage today.

The event takes place next weekend.