Soaring temperatures at Islay Show
Some of the best known names in Islay farming circles dominated the prize lists at the island’s local agricultural show held before a record crowd and in soaring temperatures at Bridgend on Thursday, 13th August.
It was a particularly successful day for the Firm of T Epps, Ardnave, who shone in the beef castle section and whose calf entry went on to win the show’s championship and the champion of champions accolade.
Other regular competitors featuring highly on the winning tables were G and M Porter, Carrabus, N and M MacLellan, Kilchiaran, Dunlossit Estate Ceannacroic, and N MacDonald, Bunnahabhain.
Gordon Currie from Port Ellen and his namesake, Alastair from Ballaclavanmade, their mark in the blackface sheep section, while Alastair’s father, Duncan, was awarded the overall sheep championship.
Other notable winners were T Rozga, Kilmeny and A Orr, Lagavullin.
Also covering themselves in glory in the ovine classes were I MacMillan, Eorrabus, B MacDonald, Bowmore, G and J Archibald, Craigens, and M and M Brown, Cruach.
The prize for the best Highland pony entered by owner went to FH and HA Roxburgh, Ballivicar, who also gained the best riding pony award. M Brown and R Hayes, Gruinart, fielded the best pony in show as well as the champion and the best horse/pony shown in hand. The reserve champion was handled by J Fletcher, Keills, who also received the shield for the best riding horse.
The trophy for the most aggregate points in the gymkhana went to K Middleton, Port Ellen, who was also the best young rider under 16 years. L Currie from Bowmore enjoyed similar success in the under 12 years best rider section.