Caithness County Show 2024: ‘A fantastic showcase for our amazing quality of stock’

The Caithness County Show, a highlight of the local agricultural and social calendar, takes place at Thurso East this Friday and Saturday. Widely regarded as the premier agricultural event in the north, the show promises to be as successful as ever thanks to the dedicated efforts of its hard-working committee and the unwavering support of the Caithness community.

This year’s president is Iain Miller. “Having attended the show for many years as a spectator, stock exhibitor and committee member, it’s a great honour to be president this year,” he said. “The show is a fantastic showcase for the amazing quality of stock in the county, some of the best in Scotland.

“This year we’ve seen a huge variety of livestock, horses, vintage machinery, flowers, handicrafts, baking, trade stands and exhibits, and we are so grateful for all the effort to make this happen.

“Special thanks go to everyone involved in organising the show, especially our capable secretary, Nicola Macleod, along with the hard-working committee members and volunteers who help us plan, set up and tidy the field. Their dedication, teamwork and support mean the world to us.

“We are also grateful for the support of all exhibitors and the many businesses whose continued sponsorship and assistance ensure a great day out for the whole family and contribute to the show’s success.

“We’ve got another fantastic show planned, and I look forward to welcoming you to the show field. I hope you all have an enjoyable day out.”

Supporting Iain are vice-president Alexander Finlayson and junior vice-president Fiona Swanson.

Caithness Agricultural Society secretary Nicola Macleod reports “excellent livestock entries” and “fantastic support” from local businesses, sponsors and trade stand holders. She expressed her gratitude to members of the agricultural community for their continued support, noting a total of 825 entries: 307 horses, 401 sheep, 73 cattle, and 44 entries across goats, pigs, rabbits, fleece, and vintage machinery classes.

This year’s main ring attraction is the Broke FMX freestyle motorbike display team, renowned for their jaw-dropping talents. The art of freestyle motocross is a real crowd-pleaser, and the Broke FMX motorcyclists bring this electrifying experience to life with years of expertise.

Their performances involve jumping 35 feet in the air and pulling acrobatic stunts over gaps approaching 100 feet, and include a thrilling backflip if the weather permits.

The team is led by the talented John Pearson, who provides onboard commentary while performing tricks. Their two spectacular displays on Saturday will be unmissable.

Caithness District Young Farmers will return with a variety of activities, including their Kennedy Cup competition displays and activities from RHET Highland. Visitors can participate in a lucky squares competition, see the pet lambs and test their balance on the toppling donkey.

The Northern Quality Produce marquee will again be packed with a mix of food, drink and craft stands. Demonstrations will include cake-decorating, cocktail-making and foraging advice.

Additionally, the show welcomes back the Caithness district SWI, the flower show, open industrial sections and a variety of trade stands, including W & A Geddes, Allan’s of Gillock, Caithness Livestock Breeders, Aberdeen and Northern Marts and R Henderson Mechanical and Welding Services along with local charities.

The society is delighted to once again welcome Caithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club with an impressive display of vintage machinery – and, new for this year, they will be joined by Caithness and Sutherland Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club. The vintage machinery parade in the main ring at 3pm will be another highlight of the day.

Other popular events around the show field include the dog show and the afternoon entertainment programme, featuring a performance by Caithness Youth Pipe Band, children’s races and driving turnouts.

A new event this year is Caithness’s Fittest Farmer, where the three district Young Farmers clubs from Bower, Forss and Halkirk will compete for a £200 prize.

The popular tug of war will see the long-time foes of the Halkirk and Forss veteran teams facing a new challenge from the “young ’uns” from Caithness Young Farmers.

Family activities include a dedicated children’s tent with Home-Start Caithness, Messy Nessy and the Royal Highland Education Trust, offering everything from a Nerf shootout to glitter tattoos, soft play area, crafts, crops and grain grinding and sheep and wool activities.

Young show-goers can also help special guest Cassie the Highland Cow find her missing herd for a chance to win a prize. North Coast 500 Animal Farm Park will bring its friendly animals, including alpacas.

The show features a range of equestrian events, with working hunter classes and showjumping on Friday and more equestrian classes alongside the livestock, rabbits, and fleece competitions on Saturday.

Admission on Saturday is £10 for adults, £6 for concessions and £5 for children, with under-fives free. Friday’s event costs £5 for adults and £2 for concessions and children, with under-fives free. Car parking is free.

A buffet dance will be held after the show at the Royal British Legion in Thurso, with live music by Addie Harper and Friends. Tickets for the dinner dance are £25 and can be purchased at the secretary’s bus during the show; dance-only tickets are £10 and available at the door.

This year’s main sponsors are West of Orkney Windfarm and main ring entertainment sponsors are Achairn Energy and Gow Groundworks.

See https://www.caithnessshow.co.uk for a full list of sponsors and trade stands.

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