Caithness County Show: Thurso East crowd of nearly 7000 thought to be a record
The 2024 County Show is thought to have attracted a record-breaking attendance, with close to 7000 people having made their way to Thurso East at the weekend.
“We are all delighted with how the show went, and the excellent turnout,” secretary Nicola Macleod said as the tidy-up operation began after Caithness Agricultural Society’s 181st annual showpiece event. “We believe it’s the best-attended show yet.”
Agricultural excellence remains at the heart of the show, promoting the best of the county’s livestock, but it is also a celebration of wider rural life and traditional skills – backed up by a host of family-friendly activities.
Earlier in the week the forecast for Saturday, the main show day, had not been promising. However, it remained dry and the temperature rose to the high teens.
The car park in a nearby field was reported to be full by early afternoon, while a constant stream of show-goers made their way to the venue on foot. The show field was soft in places after recent rain, but generally held up well.
Speaking on Saturday afternoon, with the show still in full swing, president Iain Miller said: “When I saw the forecast, as it has been the whole summer, I was thinking, ‘What like a day are we going to get?’
“It has just turned out great, beyond my wildest dreams, the amount of people that have come in the gate.”
There were 825 entries across horses (307), sheep (401) and cattle (73), along with 44 in goats, pigs, rabbits, fleece, and vintage machinery.
Mr Miller said: “The classes have just been fantastic in every group of stock this year, even with going up against the Dornoch show on the same day.
“We had a few tricky situations to deal with in the morning with lorries getting stuck coming in, but a great band of helpers all mucked in and managed to get them pulled out and everything has dried up nicely.”
Mr Miller, of Buckies Farm, Thurso, was full of praise for the committee members and volunteers who team up to put the show on each year.
“I get quite emotional when I speak about them,” he said. “It’s fantastic, how everybody pulls together – it’s just great that they give up their time.”
John Coghill, of Skinnet Farm, Halkirk, had the task of selecting the overall champion. The title went to Graham Sutherland, from Occumster, with his supreme cattle champion, Jojo, a February-born British Blue cross Limousin heifer calf.
Mr Coghill said: “It’s a smart calf. It’s well presented.
“I did feel very pleased that they’d asked me. Everybody out there deserved to be a winner. Somebody had to lose and that’s unfortunate.”
Mr Coghill said he was proud of his family’s long connection with the County Show. His grandfather, John Coghill of Ackergill Mains, was the show president in 1941; his father Dan Coghill was president in 1975; and brother Philip was president in 1999.
“I was involved in the committee for maybe 30 or 40 years,” Mr Coghill (76) said. “My great-grandfather was winning with horses in 1900. I’m quite proud of my family connection.”
Goat championship winner Claire Lowe, of Rampyards, Watten, dedicated her victory to Robbianne Harrold, a stalwart of the goat section and a multiple winner over many years, who died in April.
The Broke FMX freestyle motorbike display team returned to Thurso East as the main ring attraction, with riders performing a series of breathtaking airborne stunts.
There were also the usual array of trade and fundraising stalls, vintage machinery, flowers, handicrafts, baking, trade stands and sports and novelty events.
The tug-of-war proved a popular attraction with Forss taking the honours.
This year’s main sponsor was West of Orkney Windfarm and main ring entertainment sponsors were Achairn Energy and Gow Groundworks.
CATTLE
Aberdeen Angus (judge Lee Coghill, Birsay, Orkney): J&J Gunn, Mavsey, with seven-year-old cow Tonley Ester t435. Bred by Neil Wattie, Alford, she was bought at the Stirling bull sale in 2019 where she stood reserve female champion. By Warrento Emperor, the cow stood native champion at Latheron the previous week. Sole entry.
Shorthorn (judge L Coghill): Two-year-old heifer calf Foxy from A&S Polson’s nine-strong pedigree herd at Westerloch Farm. Bought at Stirling in February, she gave the Polsons their third breed win in a row at the show.
Reserve: A&S Polson with two-year-old heifer calf Fiery, bought at the same sale as the champion.
Other class: Heifer calf born between June 2022 and December 31, 2023 – D&C Coghill, Knockdee Farm, Halkirk.
Charolais (judge L Coghill): Gary Oag, Achiebeg, Shebster, with 25 month-old bull Shebster Tam, sired by the AI bull Blelack Digger and out of Shebster Leah.
Reserve: G Oag with two-month-old bull calf Shebster Viper by the AI bull Goldies Eddy and out of Shebster Pip.
Other class: heifer: G Oag.
Simmental (judge L Coghill): J&J Gunn with the reserve overall cattle champion, the 17-month-old bull Mavsey Pizzazz, by Caithness Jenson and out of Mavsey Glitzy.
Reserve: J&J Gunn with Corskie Jackpot, Mavsey’s seven-year-old stock bull. By Dirnanean Bradley and out of Corskie Frolic, he was breed champion and overall male cattle champion at last year’s show.
Other class: Cow – J&J Gunn.
Other continental (judge L Coghill): G Oag with Brims Untouchable, a 14-month-old male by the AI bull Wilodge Cerberus and out of the home-bred cow Brims Ola. The bull is a full brother to the heifer Brims Tessa that stood overall reserve cattle champion at last year’s show.
Reserve: G Oag with 14-month-old heifer Brims Uriah, by the same sire as the champion and out of the home-bred Brims Pearl. The heifer stood continental champion and reserve overall cattle champion at Latheron the previous week.
Commercial cattle (judge L Coghill): Graham Sutherland, The Antlers, Occumster, with the supreme overall champion. Jojo, a February-born Blue cross Limousin heifer calf by Powerful Proper and out of a Blue cross heifer.
Reserve: G Sutherland with February-born cross Limousin heifer Belinda by the AI Limousin bull Red River Powerful and home bred-cow.
Other classes: Heifer in calf or milk; cow in calf or milk; cow/heifer and own calf, and best AI calf born on or after October 1, 2023 – G Sutherland. Heifer born before May 31, 2023 and between June 1 and September 30, 2023 and best butcher’s animal – Sophie Tucker, Wick. Steer born before May 31, 2023 – James Swanson, Framside, Calder.
Steer calf born on or after February 1, 2024 – D G Kennedy, Tresdale, Canisbay. Heifer born before October 1, 2023, sired by a Charolais – Kerry Macleod, Folly Farm. Pen of three calves born after January 1, 2024 – Colin Mackay, East Murkle. Best AI animal – G Oag.
Young Farmers’ Calf Competition (judge L Coghill): Pedigree calf born between March 1 and September 1, 2023 – Will Oag, Achiebeg, Shebster, with Brims Una. Commercial calf born March 1 and September 1, 2023 – S Tucker with Talia.
Cattle young handler: Aged 8-12 – Matthew Tucker, Wick. Thirteen to 16: S Tucker.
SHEEP
Border Leicester (judge Ian Walker, Ayrshire): Messrs A Miller & Sons, Aimster with an April-born, home-bred ewe lamb by a West Forth tup. Reserve: Messrs A Miller & Sons with a tup bought as a lamb from Barrowman, Knockglass.
Other classes: Tup lamb, ewe and gimmer – Messrs A Miller & Sons.
Suffolk (judge) David Mackenzie, Insch): Messrs B&L Swanson, East Murkle, with a one-crop home-bred ewe by a Cairnton tup. Reserve: P&E Mackay, Forss, with a January-born ewe lamb out of a Jalex ewe and by Frongoy Rocket, one of Ali Jackson’s Top Gun flock in Annan.
Other classes: Shearling tup, tup lamb and gimmer – Messrs B&L Swanson.
Halfbred (judge I Walker): William Barnetson & Son, Lynegar, Watten, who bought the champion from Shearers, Lythmore at Quoybrae in August last year. It was the first outing for the gimmer, owned by four-year-old Jamie Barnetson and his brother Logan (2). Stood overall reserve sheep. Reserve: Louise Coghill, Skinnet with a ewe.
Other classes: ewe lamb – Messrs Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland. Farms. Three ewe lambs – Messrs A Miller & Sons.
Prime lambs (judge Ian Macleay, Armadale Farm): Messrs J Campbell & Co, Todholes, with two Texel crosses by the home-bred tup Todholes Rascal and out of a ewe after a Bardnaheigh tup. Reserve: Kris Sutherland, Dunbeath Farms.
Other classes: Two NCC or half-bred, two Suffolk, and two any other native sired prime lambs – Messrs I Campbell & Co. Two novice continental sired prime lambs – Logan Moodie, Quoyshakes Farm, Wick.
NCC (park type) (judge Ronnie Sutherland, Halkirk): J&W Mackay, Biggins Farm, Wick, with a shearling tup, Achscrabster Eyecatcher, bred at Achscrabster by a Cairnside sire.
Reserve: Jamie Henderson, Seaview Cottages, Dunnet, with a gimmer after a Skirza tup and out of a home-bred ewe.
Other classes: Aged tup three-shear or over – J&W Mackay. Two-shear tup – Beth Thomson, Achscrabster, Westfield. Tup lamb, ewe and ewe lamb – Messrs DN Campbell & Sons, Bardnaclavan Farm, Westfield.
NCC groups (judge: R Sutherland): J Henderson with three gimmers. Reserve: B Thomson with three ewe lambs.
NCC hill type (judge John Sutherland, Durness): The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust with a shearling tup, sired by Philiphaugh V14956 and out of a ewe from the Longoe flock after Longoe Excel. The trust also took reserve with a four crop home-bred ewe by Longoe Whisky Galore and out of a home-bred ewe by Attonburn Lionheart.
Other classes: Aged tup three-shear and over – James Ross, Golval. Two-shear tup and ewe lamb – Andrew Campbell, Mill House, Thurso. Tup lamb and gimmer – Michael Kirk, Hollandmake, Barrock.
Blackface (judge Steven Duncan, Ballindalloch): Neve Sutherland, Bardnaheigh, Halkirk, with a gimmer by a tup from Scott Robertson, Avonside and out of a home-bred ewe. Reserve: Abby Miller, Rockhill, Latheron, with a tup lamb.
Other classes: Shearling tup, ewe and ewe lamb – Neve Sutherland.
Any other native (judge S Duncan): Neve Sutherland with a two-crop South Country Cheviot ewe by Chateau and out of a home-bred ewe.
Reserve: Messrs DA&K Douglas, Achnamoine Farm, Watten, with a late March-born, home-bred crossing-type Bluefaced Leicester ewe lamb after a Dalppedar tup and home-bred ewe. First time shown.
Other classes: Aged tup, shearling tup and gimmer – Neve Sutherland. Tup lamb – Messrs DA&K Douglas.
Commercial sheep (judge I Walker): Messrs Sutherland with a four crop Suffolk cross ewe with twin Texel wedder lambs at foot. Stood third in their class at the Royal Highland.
Reserve: William Barnetson and Sons with a four-crop Texel cross Cheviot mule ewe. First time shown, after a home-bred Texel sire.
Other class: NCC ewe or gimmer with lambs at foot – Messrs A Miller & Sons.
Cross sheep (judge I Macleay): Messrs Sutherland with a March-born Texel cross Suffolk ewe lamb after a home-bred tup. Fifth in her class at the Royal Highland. Reserve: Messrs Sutherland with home-bred ewe.
Other class – Gimmer: William Barnetson and Sons.
Texel sheep (MV) (judge Douglas Webster, Lower Reiss): James Coghill, Burnside, Huna, with a shearling tup out of a Clanfield ewe and by the £27,000 tup Radar Entrepreneur.
Reserve: Angus Gunn, The Shiean, Thurso whose gimmer was sired by Aldehouseburn Fancy Pants and whose dam was bought from Hilltop, Aberdeen.
Other classes: Tup lamb – J Coghill. Ewe – Derek Bain, Kennachy, Forss. Ewe lamb – A Gunn.
Texel sheep (non-MV) (judge Ewan Macarthur, Nairn): Bisset and Blackwood, Mill Farm, Durran, with a February-born tup lamb. By a Lower Reiss Farm sire and a home-bred ewe, he stood champion Texel at Latheron the previous week. A sister of the champion, a February-born ewe lamb filled the reserve stall.
Other classes: Aged tup and shearling tup – Messrs J Campbell & Co. Ewe – Willie Mackay, Thurso. Gimmer – William Campbell, Thurso.
Any other continental (judge Gordon Troup, Sauchen, Inverurie): Ellie Bain, Kennachy, Forss with a March-born tup lamb sired by Huntiers Frontier out of a home-bred ewe.
Reserve: Messrs DA&K Douglas with December-born Charollais ewe lamb after Foxhill Bandit and out of a Braemuir-bred ewe; second in her class at Latheron the previous week.
Other classes: Aged tup – K&N Mackay, Smithy House, East Mey. Shearling tup – James Swanson, Framside, Calder.
Ewe – Messrs DA&K Douglas. Gimmer – Messrs J&A Budge, Knockglass Farm, Watten.
Overall pure sheep group (judge Rod MaKenzie, Munlochy): J Coghill with three Texel MVs. Reserve: M Kirk with three hill Cheviots.
Overall sheep group (judge R McKenzie): Messrs Sutherland with three commercials. Reserve: J Campbell & Co with three prime lambs.
Fleece competition (judge Stephen Henderson, British Wool, Evanton): Henry Sutherland, Drummuie, Golspie, winner of natural coloured fleece (including Jacob and Zwartbles) class.
Reserve: Chloe Anderson, Plewlands, Duffus, winner of fine fleece (including Suffolk, Charollais and Down) class.
Other classes: Medium fleece (including Texel, Texel cross and halfbred) – H Sutherland. Greyface mule and lustre fleece (including Mule, Blueface and Greyface) – C Anderson. NCC fleece and mountain fleece (including Blackface, Swaledale and Welsh Mountain) – Messrs DA&K Douglas.
Wool on NCC shearling (judge S Henderson): J&W Mackay.
Sheep young handlers (judge R McKenzie): Ryan Miller, Latheron (up to 11 age group winner). Reserve: Adam Mackay, Forss (12-16 winner).
HORSES
Clydesdale (judge John Graham, Blair Drummond): Gersa Clydesdales with Gersa Lady Emma. By Collessie Monarch, the two-year-old repeated her success at last year’s show. Out of Gersa Lady Lauren, she stood third in the foal class at the 2022 World Clydesdale Show in Aberdeen for Michael and Jacqueline Munro, Holly View, Janetstown.
Reserve: Isla Miller, Quarryside Crofthouse, East Murkle, with the 12-year-old Stobilee Zac by Great American GW Corver and out of Stobilee Ruby. The partnership finished supreme ridden champions at the World Clydesdale Show in Aberdeen in 2022. They have also twice stood reserve champion at the Horse of the Year Show and have won the ridden class at the Royal Highland.
Other classes: Harness and four years and over – I Miller. Young handlers – Chloe Greig, Thurso.
Highland pony (judge Andrew Baird, Blairgowrie): Margaret Anderson, Broynach, with Lochlands Daisy Jane, a three-year-old cream dun filly. By Lochlands Royal Flute and out of Lonedhu Primrose, she won her class at the show in Thurso as a yearling.
Reserve – Stable-mate Moss-Side Winter Thyme filled the reserve stall in the breed. The 11-year-old mare was sired by Moss-side Domhnach with Moss-side her dam.
Other classes: Over three-year-old gelding – Ashleigh Campbell, Castle View House, Wick. Ridden four years and over – Jacky MacMillan, East Durran.
Shetland pony (judge Jane Barry, Upper Braefindon, Ross-shire): Hools Shetland Pony Stud, Toab, Orkney, with the overall reserve champion supreme, Hools Je T’aime. The two-year-old black home-bred filly is by Email of St Ninian and out of Hools Janet. Stood best one/two-year-old at last year’s breed show on the Black Isle and champion foal at Orkney Show. Saturday was her first outing of the season for owner Kerry Peace.
Reserve: Millquoy Daybreak, a regular on the Orkney show circuit, completed a one-two for the islands on her debut at Caithness. From the Millquoy Shetland Pony Stud in Firth, the 10-year-old black mare is the progeny of Drum Premier and Millquoy Drummie’s Dawn.
Other classes: Best foal – Millquoy. Yeld mare four years and over – Hools. Gelding – Bethany Swanson, Framside, Calder.
Miniature Shetland – Two to three years old and best miniature – Vivien Budge, Morvenview, Halkirk. Four years and over and reserve miniature – Anica Polson, Westerloch. Gelding – Ella Farquhar, Wick.
Mixed standard and miniature Shetland – Coloured – B Swanson. Ridden four years and over – Blaire Patterson, Forss. Young handlers – Hannah Taylor, Framside, Calder.
In hand (judge Jennifer Garland, Ayrshire): Cora Hourston, Wick, with Dalcotes Candlelight, a three-year-old filly on her second outing. Known by her pet name as Cally at Castle View Stables, the Cornish-bred Irish sports horse stood reserve overall light-legged.
Reserve: Carolyn Riddell, Balbreck Farmhouse, with the mountain and moorland leader Wrentfall Private Party after winning the small breed class.
Other classes: Stallion/ colt – Tony Birdsall, Mid Clyth. Two-year-old – Emma Gunn, The Stables, Castletown. Cob type and coloured – Susan Linklater, Thurso. Arab, part Arab or Anglo Arab – Emma Florence, North Bylbster.
Mountain and moorland large breed – Byrony Jack, Thurso. Veteran horse or pony 15 years and over – Kayla Brown, Borland House, Weydale.
Ridden (judge Denise Richardson-Rowell, Dumfries House Estate, Ayrshire): Pony – Nicola Manson, 16 Sinclair Street, Thurso with lead rein class light-legged leader and overall reserve horse, the seven-year-old Rushfield White Knight. The part-bred Dartmoor pony was accompanied by Nicola’s six-year-old daughter Zara. He was bought 18 months ago in a private sale from its breeder in Kendall. The mother-and-daughter are bound for the Royal International Show at Hickstead where they have entered the lead rein class in the show hunter section.
Reserve: Rachel MacGregor, Achardle Farm, Halkirk, who won the up to 128cm class for riders aged under 13 with Dolhelfa Cymro Llwyd.
Horse – K Brown who won the four years-and-over 148-158cm class with Inkstack Valhalla. Reserve: Erin Mackenzie, Achalone, Halkirk who won the four-year-and-over 158cm+ class with Fridays Venture.
Other classes – Cob type, four years and over – Holly Henderson, Northfield, Halkirk. Arab, part-bred Arab or Anglo Arab four years and over – Emma Florence, North Bylbster.
Coloured, four years and over – Mary Miller, The Ha, Alterwell. Mountain and moorland, four years and over – Danielle Sinclair, Toftcarl Farm, Thrumster.
128-138cm – Brooke Miller, Wick. 138-148cm – Danielle Sinclair.
Veteran horse 15 years or over – Hannah Sutherland, Larkfield, Sarclet.
Donkeys (judge J Graham): Robert Streight, Thrumster, with Patrick. Reserve: Rebecca Budd, 45 Oldhall, with Marshmallow.
Pigs (judge Dennis Bridgeford, Petley Farm, Tain): Nine-year-old Matthew Tucker Jnr, Wick, with the 10-day-old cross Piétrain boar Malteser. Reserve: His sister Sophie (16) with the February 2023-born cross Piétrain sow Ivy.
Goats (judge Meg Sinclair, Dunbeath): Claire Lowe, Rampyards, Watten with her five-year-old Pygmy goat Maisy. The reserve, from the same drove, was 12-year-old Milly.
HORSE SPORTS
Musical posts: Lucy Streight, Upper Thrumster Farm, with Willow’s Game Changer.
Junior jumping – Ponies 128cm and under: Rosie Streight, Tardee House, with Wycroft Pasha. Ponies 138cm and under: Sylvia Stewart, Achavrole, Dunbeath, with Drumgesk Ysbryd ridden by Lucy Streight. Ponies up to 148cm: Lucy Streight with Willow’s Game Changer.
Show jumping – Open to horses and ponies: Sylvia Stewart with Rough Diamond ridden by Lucy Streight.
Open jumping: Lauren Oag, Achiebeg, with Candy Reign.
Pony puissance competition: 1eq Kloe O’Brien, Upper Thrumster Farm, with Edwyn’s Royal Rocket, and Lucy Streight with Scotshaven Barrogill. Horse puissance competition: Lucy Streight with Rough Diamond.
Working hunter – Champion WH pony: Lauren Oag, Achiebeg, with Trendy Lexus. Reserve: Rachel MacGregor, Achardle Farm, with Dolhelfa Cymro Llwyd.
Champion WH horse: Chloe Macdonald, Morven View, Spittal, with Lynncot Corey B. Reserve: Russell Skelton, Morven View, Spittal, with Future King.
Best WH open exhibit: Chloe Macdonald with Lynncot Corey B.
Nursery stakes: Kloe O’Brien with Edwyn’s Royal Rocket. Cradle stakes: Rachel MacGregor with Dolhelfa Cymro Llwyd.
Best novice WH pony: Isla Miller, The Ha Alterwall, with Fawkes.
Champion intermediate WH: Lauren Oag with Trendy Lexus. Novice horse: Gillian Mcarthur, Thurso, with Budweiser. WH intermediate horse: Russell Skelton with Future King.
WHP exceeding 133cm and not exceeding 143cm: Ava Bain, Kennachy Farm, Forss, with Balladen Macmagnum. WHP exceeding 143cm and not exceeding 153cm: Chloe Macdonald with Lynncot Corey B. WH open horse over 153cm: Chloe Macdonald with Mr Quality Cruz.
RABBITS AND CAVIES
Champion rabbit/cavy: Archie Bain, Wick, with Fluffy. Reserve: Rachel Innes: Stirkoke Mains, with Willow.
Fancy, AOV: Archie Bain. Lop, mini): Rachel Innes: Stirkoke Mains, with Willow.
Mini Rex: Archie Bain, Wick, with Bob.
VINTAGE MACHINERY
Self-propelled machine: 1 Callum Cameron, Reay; 2 Nicol Mackenzie, Halkirk; 3 Don Macleod, Lyth. Ferguson tractors: 1 Gavin Sutherland, Forse; 2 Nicol Mackenzie; 3 Ryan Calder, Scarfskerry.
Champion: Callum Cameron, David Brown 996. Reserve: Nicol Mackenzie, Field Marshall Series 2.
OTHER SECTIONS
Driving turnouts: 1 Isla Miller; 2 Andrew Swanson.
Trade stands – Agricultural: W&A Geddes. Non-agricultural: Wolfburn Distillery. Indoor trade stand: Colin Campbell Photography.
Tug of war: Forss.
Reporters: Iain Grant, Alan Hendry and David G Scott.
