A great shop window for local livestock and produce as Caithness County Show returns to Wick
The County Show, always a highlight of the local agricultural and social calendar, returns to the Riverside and Westerseat showground at Wick on Friday and Saturday.
The show is the premier agricultural event in the far north and is set to be another resounding success thanks to the efforts of the hard-working committee.
Last year's show at Thurso East was the first since the pandemic, and now it is Wick's turn again.
This year's Caithness Agricultural Society president is James Barnetson.
“Having attended the show for many years as a spectator, stock exhibitor and committee member it is a great honour to be president for this year's show," he said.

"It's great to see the show go from strength to strength each year and to have grown into the fantastic event it is. Caithness is renowned for the quality of livestock and produce it delivers and the County Show is a great shop window to showcase this quality, which is as good as it gets anywhere in the country.
"It astonishes me each year the level of planning, dedication and hard work that goes into preparing livestock, horses, flowers, handicrafts, baking, vintage machinery, the trade stands and all the other exhibits the show has to offer. We are really grateful.
"I would like to take this opportunity to mention the excellent committee, our secretary Nicola Macleod, and all those who assist with the organisation and set-up of the show. Without these valued people, the County Show wouldn't be the success it is.
"I cannot thank everyone enough for their hard work, encouragement and dedication throughout the year.
"We are truly grateful for the support of our exhibitors, volunteers and many businesses for their continued sponsorship which all contributes to ensuring a great day out for all the family.
"I look forward to welcoming you to the show field and hope you all have an enjoyable day.”
Mr Barnetson's vice-president is Iain Miller and the junior-vice president is Alexander Finlayson.
Caithness Agricultural Society secretary Nicola Macleod says the livestock entries are excellent and are up on last year. A ban is still in place on bird gatherings, so again there will be no poultry competition.
She said: "I would like to thank the agricultural community for their continued support of the show."
The total number of entries is 911, with 316 horse entries, 445 sheep, 73 cattle, 24 goats and one donkey, as well as 52 entrants between the pigs, rabbits, fleece, and vintage machinery classes.
The main ring attraction this year is the Stannage Stunt Team. Show-goers can expect to see stunts such as motorbike jumps, fire runs, high falls, flaming high dives and the "Exploding Coffin" in what promises to be a high-octane act.
The Young Farmers will be running a "guess the weight of the pig" competition and showcasing their Kennedy Cup competition entries. There will also be a special display celebrating 100 years of the Young Farmers in Caithness.
Also set to be a winner with spectators will be the popular Young Farmers' gunging, taking place in the main ring at 4.45pm. Several well-known locals have stepped forward willing to be gunged on show day to raise money for charity.
The ballot will be situated within the Young Farmers' tent, so people will be invited to deep deep and cast their vote for who they’d like to see gunged.
The Northern Quality Produce marquee will be packed with a mix of food, drink and craft stands. A total of 30 exhibitors will be taking part, with a mix of new and familiar stand-holders.
In addition, the show organisers welcome back the Caithness district SWI as well as the flower show and open industrial sections, and a wide variety of trade stands including W & A Geddes, Allan's of Gillock, Caithness Livestock Breeders, HRN Tractors, GMG Energy and Caithness Machinery Ring.
Among the other popular activities around the show field will be the dog show, the sports programme, Caithness Junior Pipe Band, children’s races and driving turnouts.
The main ring will again welcome entrants of the Caithness HAS got Talent competition. Any talent is welcomed and entries will also be taken on the day at the secretary’s bus. Entrants are in with the chance of scooping a £200 prize.
Visitors can expect to see some amazing magic displays and cookery demonstrations, as well as enjoy the vintage tractor and machinery display. North Coast 500 Animal Farm Time will be on hand with some animal friends to help keep the little ones entertained.
The show will feature the usual range of equestrian events, with the working hunter classes and showjumping taking place on Friday.
Saturday admission is £10 per adult, £6 for concessions and £5 for children, while under-fives get in free. Prices for Friday's event are £5 for adults and £2 for concessions and children, with under-fives again free of charge. There is no charge for car parking.
After the show, a buffet dance will be held in the Norseman Hotel with live music provided by Addie Harper and Friends. Tickets are £25 and £10 for the dance only and can be bought at the secretary's bus during the show or at the door on the night if there are any tickets remaining.