Lorn vintage ploughing match is back on track
Lorn vintage ploughing match is making a come-back this year.
Up to 20 entries are expected for the match on Saturday March 30 at Dalvuie Farm, Ledaig.
There will be plenty of car parking at the old sand pit near Oban Airport for spectators and donations from the event will all go to Argyll Beats Cardiovascular Disease, a charity set up by a group of volunteers in 2000.
Over the years the ploughing match has raised about £10,000 for the charity’s work and organisers hope to add more this time.
The match starts at 10am and will go on until 4pm with vintage tractors ploughing small plots in a number of classes including trailing plough.
Entries are expected to come from far and wide including the east coast and Central Belt, with the main contingent usually travelling from the Fife area and some coming from Lanark, said one of the organisers. John MacCormick of Oban.
‘Getting entries has never been a problem, it’s finding a field that can be difficult,’ added Mr MacCormick.
Last year’s ploughing match was not able to go ahead. The wet weather can also be a factor. But it is all systems go for this year and organisers are keeping fingers crossed for a dry spell in the run up to match day.
The vintage event started in 2000 for the Millennium celebrations just as a one-off but popular demand wanted it to become an annual event.
However, a Foot and Mouth disease outbreak put a stop to it being held in 2001 but since then it has been held almost every year, said Mr MacCormick.
‘We’re always looking for more volunteers to help organise the match or come and help on the day. It’s a good day out for everyone and keeps the old traditions alive.
‘You don’t see much ploughing up here now even though there are benefits to be had on the land by doing it. The biggest part of this event is to keep the old skills going, pass them down to future generations and to get more people attracted to farming and the countryside.’
This year’s event is being sponsored by D & J Campbell haulage from North Connel.
‘We also want to thank all the farmers who have supported us with fields over the years and the Nelson family of Achnacloish.’
To find out more about the return of Lorn Vintage Ploughing Match contact Willie Buchanan on 07768 846612.