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Graeme ploughs to victory in the vintage match





Open champion Graeme Mackay receives one of his trophies from Debbie Pottinger. Photos: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Open champion Graeme Mackay receives one of his trophies from Debbie Pottinger. Photos: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

ORGANISERS of Saturday’s annual vintage ploughing match in Caithness heaved a huge collective sigh of relief after the dire weather forecast did not materialise.

While there were some heavy downpours in the 24 hours before the event at Greenland Mains, they were less severe than expected and the ground conditions for the 19 competitors were testing but fair.

"It was a bit greasy on top at the start but they soon got used to the conditions," said Sandy Mackay, chairman of Caithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club.

"The two judges were well pleased with the work that was done."

Adjudicating the three classes were Rab Birrell, from Thornton in Fife, and Morris Blacklaws, from Carnoustie. Mr Birrell is vice-chairman of the Scottish Ploughing Association and is due to step up to the top post during which he will oversee the national championships being staged in Caithness in October next year.

Graeme Mackay, who went on to win the county and open championships at the Caithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club’s annual ploughing match.
Graeme Mackay, who went on to win the county and open championships at the Caithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club’s annual ploughing match.

Top performer at Saturday’s match was Sandy’s 23-year-old son Graeme, who won the inaugural competition in 2004.

He headed the mounted vintage class with his 1964 Nuffield 342 and David Brown plough. His total also put him comfortably ahead in the competition for both the overall Caithness and open silverware while he top-scored in all four elements which were judged.

The trophy for the entry from outwith the county went to Richard McWilliam, from Muir of Ord, who worked a Massey Harris plough with a 1942 Fordson.

There was a wide array of classic and vintage machinery on show at the match, dating from a 1930 International, operated by Michael Mackay, of West Greenland.

After the match, held courtesy of farmer Hamish Pottinger, an auction was held to raise money for the costs of staging next year’s national championships at Stanstill Farm, Bower.

Results: drag – 1 Richard McWilliam, Muir of Ord. 2 Martin Munro, Halkirk. 3 Michael Mackay, West Greenland.

Mounted vintage – 1 Graeme Mackay, Dounreay. 2 George Mackay, Bowermadden. 3 Gerald MacLeod, North Kessock.

Classic – 1 Ian Sinclair, Thurso. 2 Jamie Sinclair, Mid Clyth. 3 Robert Sutherland, Harpsdale.

Overall – confined to Caithness and open – Graham Mackay. Outwith the county – 1 R. MacWilliam. 2 G. MacLeod. 3 Fraser Maclennan, Culbokie.

Junior – 1 Gavin Munro, Halkirk. Novices – 1 J. Sinclair.

Best start, straightest furrows, best finish and neatest outs and ins – Graeme Mackay. Best work by pre-1950 tractor; and best start, finish and straightest furrows in drag section – R. McWilliam.


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