Benderloch calf reigns supreme at Lorn Show

Lorn Agricultural Show has arguably the best backdrop of any of the local shows, with its stunning sea views and the nearby beach.

That, combined with an entertaining batch of competitions, made for a great day last Saturday.

The show is held on the Keil Common Grazings at Tralee beach in Benderloch, by kind permission of the MacColl family.

There was tough competition in the animal judging, but the champion of champions was a cross bred calf from Douglas MacDonald’s Tyree Farm in Benderloch.

The young calf was handled by Douglas’ son, Dougie, who left the show with eight trophies.

Speaking after the victory, Douglas said: ‘We are very pleased. It was a great day and we have thoroughly enjoyed it.’

The Tyree calf was up against stiff competition and only pipped Messrs MacArthur’s blackface sheep by a single point.

It was a finale worthy of Farm Idol, when the final four competitors, consisting of a calf, sheep, dog and a chicken were brought to a pen in the middle of the field to be judged.

The expert judges each took a turn ranking the animals, which were not in their category. For example, Judith, the dog judge, ranked the sheep, calf and chicken from first to third.

After four rounds, it was the cattle that came out on top with eight points, followed by the sheep on seven points, the terrier dog on five points and the chicken with four.

Cilla, the black terrier, was named after Cilla Black as he she was born in the year Cilla died.

Her owner was over the moon with how the day went.

Iain McKay said: ‘She was the best terrier and best in show. It’s good for the dog. She lost her mother last year, so I’m happy for her.’

Cilla, who picked the same accolades at up the Dalmally show last year, will be back to defend her title again this year.

In the adult cattle competitions, it was all about Stuart Campbell and Cladich Farm. His four-year-old highland cow was crowned overall winner.

Speaking afterwards, Stuart said: ‘It’s tremendous. I did not expect it this morning, that’s for sure.

‘She was also third at the Royal Highland Show so hopefully she has a bright future ahead of her.’

The Lorn Agricultural Show isn't all about the animals though. There were classic cars, bouncy castles, burger vans, games and ice-cream on offer.

Highland dancing is also a big part of the show, with competitions running all day.

Organiser Laura Munro was happy with how the dancing went. ‘It was good and the weather stayed dry,’ she said.

17_T32_LornShow08 Ruairidh MacDonald came first in the young handler competition.

17_T32_LornShow12 Grace Gunn enjoyed sitting in her great uncle’s tractor when she visited Lorn Show.

17_T32_LornShow19 Overall highland dancing winners Eilidh McTaggart from Bute, Summer Leonard from Bute, and Solana McMurchy from Campbeltown.

17_T32_LornShow02 Andy Bevis and his five-year-old daughter Ella were successful in the young lamb class.

17_T32_LornShow13 Messrs MacArthur with his champion blackface sheep from Arnicle, Glenbarr, Campbeltown.

17_T32_LornShow15 Dougie MacDonald with his calf, which was crowned champion of champions.

17_T32_LornShow17 Some of the tractors that were on show on Saturday.

17_T32_LornShow04 Right: Jennifer Henderson was over the moon when her three-year-old bearded collie Katie was crowned best sheep dog.

17_T32_LornShow16 Lynne MacLean, 20, had a successful Lorn Show.

17_T32_LornShow07 Iain McKay and his best in show terrier Cilla.

17_T32_LornShow14 Dementia advisors Evelyn Greig and Sue Pagan at their show stall.