Massive crowds flocks to Skye Show
A LARGE number of firsts helped to make this year’s Skye Agricultural Show an outstanding success.
This was the first time the show, which took place in Portree’s King George V Park on Saturday, held the qualifiers for the Willberry North of Scotland Championship in the horse section; the first time cookery and crafts competitions were added to the classes; the day saw the launch of the Craft for a Cause section; and it was a first for family fun with an extended programme of children’s entertainment, including a climbing wall, a super jumper and a race demonstration from the lightning-fast Ore County Terriers.
More than 1,700 locals and visitors enjoyed the attractions, stalls and competitions between spells of intermittent sunshine. There were displays in dancing with Highland dancers and talented youngsters from Skyedance.
The Skye and Lochalsh Pipe Band provided some stirring music, while families were en- tertained with a full programme of activities, including shearing demonstrations, a mega game of pass the parcel, vintage tractors, refreshment and burger stalls, a dog show, Crofters Olympics and an obstacle race.
Stock entries were up on previous years, with full sheep and cattle pens, and a good quality of animals. Angus MacLeod of Glenhinnisdale took the Nicholson Memorial Cup for the supreme champion. Reserve champion was awarded to John MacKinnon of Struan.
In the horses, Eilidh MacLeod from Uig won the in-hand championship with Irish cob Moneyglen Mr Killybegs. Reserve champion was Janice MacDonald with Glanhaultin Ashling. Iona Augier, on Dexter, galloped away with the champion rider and ridden champion prizes, while reserve rider was Joline Kohne on Raya and ridden champion reserve went to William Gordon on Charlie.
The Skye Boarding Kennels Cup for best in the dog show went to Donald MacLaren, of Budhmor.
The cookery and craft section was new to the show this year and a good selection of talented competitors entered their creations in the hope of winning a first prize.
Great British chef Marcello Tully judged the baking and chose a lemon drizzle cake made by Fay MacRae as best in show. Mhairi MacKechnie’s beautiful hand-knitted twiddle muffs won her the top prize, Katie’s Quaich, in the new craft for a cause section. The muffs will be donated to the island’s dementia sufferers.
The best in show in crafts went to Charlotte Johnson of Portree for her knitted hat, while young James Brown, aged 11, went home with a fistful of first prizes in the children’s section.
Show chairman Seumas MacLean said: ‘Saturday was very successful with a great turnout of livestock, people and visitors.We extended the family section and put a lot more attractions on for the children. Ore County Terriers was one of our main highlights.
‘Several people told us it was the best show they had been to in recent years and the weather managed to stay dry until the trophies were being presented.
‘We would like to thank everyone who made this year’s show such a success: our exhibitors, our sponsors, judges, dancers, trade stands and the helpers for the day on the gates, manning activities and livestock stewards. We had a great turnout of livestock and dogs, with all sheep and cattle pens full, and our cookery and craft competition had a good turnout for the first year.
‘All this wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the unsung heroes who help out setting up the field; the committee of volunteers that work throughout the year planning the show, giving up their time and resources to bring a good community event to the island; and also the public for turning out and supporting us.
‘We’re always looking for fresh blood to join the committee so please do not hesitate to contact us. The 2018 Skye Agricultural Show is on Saturday August 4.’
For further information or to volunteer for next year’s show, visit www.skyeshow.org.uk.
For full results, go to www. lochabertimes.co.uk