Perfect conditions for 33rd annual ploughing contest of North and West Caithness Ploughing Association
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The North and West Caithness Ploughing Association held its 33rd annual ploughing match at Thurdistoft Farm, Castletown by kind permission of Mr George Campbell on Saturday, November 25.
A spokesperson said: “With the match postponed due to weather at the start of November we really couldn’t have asked for a better day, the sun was shining and the ground was in perfect condition.
“This year our judges were Mr Iain MacRae from the Black Isle along with his son, Scott MacRae also from the Black Isle, who were joined by Ewan McIver from the Black Isle and Graeme Mackay, Caithness.
“It was a very close call for Champion of the Field between the Vintage Trailing Class winner, Michael Mackay, West Greenland, and The Reversible 2 and 3 Furrow Class winner, Gavin Robertson, Barrock, with the judges favouring Michael to lift the trophy, donated by the reps of the late William Farquhar Folly for the Champion on the Field.
“We had the pleasure of welcoming Mr Iain Sinclair, Thurso, to judge best-kept tractor. We would also like to thank Barbara Campbell for her excellent catering services and Rebekah from Wild Highland Drinks Co for providing refreshments.”
- Pictures courtesy of Bruce Foubister and Caden Robertson
Results:
12in and over – 1 John Gunn, North Killimster, 2 William Campbell, Gersa, 3 Robbie Flett, Watten. Best start – Robbie Flett, Watten. Best finish - William Campbell, Gersa. Straightest fur – John Gunn, North Killimster. The William Munro Memorial Trophy presented by T Munro and family for the winner of the 12in and over class - John Gunn, North Killimster. Alister Macleod Memorial Cup (Perpetual) for the Best Start and Finish combined in the 12in Class – William Campbell, Gersa.
Classic – 1 Andrew Sinclair, Toftcarl, 2 Don Macleod, Lyth. Best Start, Best Finish and Straightest Fur – Andrew Sinclair, Toftcarl. Trophy presented by John Hymers, Burnside for the winner of the Classic Class – Andrew Sinclair, Toftcarl.
Reversible 2 and 3 Furrow – 1 Gavin Robertson, Barrock, 2 James Tait, Mey. Best start – Gavin Robertson, Barrock. Best finish and straightest fur– James Tait, Mey. M A Munro (Drainage Contractors) Halkirk Perpetual Cup for the winner of the 2 and 3 furrow Reversible Class – Gavin Robertson, Barrock.
Reversible – Multifurrow – 1 William Ronaldson, Lower Gillock, 2 Donald Campbell, Castletown , 3 Scott Rosie, Hunster. Best Start – Donald Campbell, Castletown. Best Finish and Straightest Fur – William Ronaldson, Lower Gillock. W & A Oag, Brims Mains Perpetual Trophy for winner of the Multifurrow class – William Ronaldson, Lower Gillock.
P W Mackay, Halkirk Cup for Overall winner of the Reversible classes – Gavin Robertson, Barrock.
Shield presented by R B Flett, Central Garage, Watten for the best ploughed lot in the Reversibles by a person 21 years and under – Scott Rosie, Hunster.
Perpetual Cup presented by Donald MacDonald, Laurel for the best ploughed lot in the Reversibles by a person 30 years old and under – William Ronaldson, Lower Gillock.
Trophy presented by Gavin Robertson, Briary, Barrock for the Best Start and Finish combined by a person 30 years old and under in the Reversible classes – William Ronaldson, Lower Gillock.
Vintage Mounted – 1 Gerald Macleod, North Kessock, 2 Alan Campbell, Gersa, 3 Brian Polson, Gersa. Best Start, Best Finish & Straightest – Gerald Macleod, North Kessock. The late Pink Mackay Cup for the winner of the Vintage Mounted class – Gerald Macleod, North Kessock.
Vintage Trailing – 1 Michael Mackay, West Greenland, 2 John Matheson, North Kessock, 3 George Williamson, Dixonfield. Best start, Best Finish and Straightest Fur – Michael Mackay, West Greenland. Omand's Garage Cup for the winner of the Vintage Trailing class & North of Scotland Milk Marketing Board Shield – Michael Mackay, West Greenland.
Association shield for youngest ploughman – Scott Rosie, Hunsters.
Young Farmers – 1 John Gunn, North Killimster. Mey Perpetual Trophy presented by Mr Sandy McCarthy for the best Ploughed Lot by a member of a Young Farmers Club – John Gunn, North Killimster.
Overall Trophies:
Allan's of Gillock Tray for Overall Straightest Furrow & W S Gunn Shield for Best Overall Finish – James Tait, Mey.
Caithness and Sutherland Vintage Car Club Shield for Best Vintage Tractor – George Williamson, Dixonfield.
Best Kept Tractor (other than Vintage) – Donald Campbell, Castletown.
Clayquoys Cup presented by the late Mr D Miller, Upper Ackergill for the best ploughed lot by a Competitor under 25 years old (Perpetual) (Confined to County) – William Ronaldson, Lower Gillock.
Willie Mackay (AI Services) Shield for the neatest ends on the field – John Matheson, North Kessock.
Sandy Banks Memorial Trophy presented by Mrs Ella Banks and family for the best Junior 21 years and under (confined to Caithness) – Scott Rosie, Hunster.
Achavarn Cup for best Overall Start; Silver basket donated by the Representatives of the late William and Chris Farquhar for the best start and finish combined in the Vintage Sections; Jim Henderson Memorial Bowl for the Best start, finish and straightest furrow combined in the Vintage Mounted and Trailing Classes (confined to Caithness): The William Farquhar Memorial Trophy (Perpetual) re-presented 2007 for the best in the Vintage Classes; Association Tray for best in the Vintage and Horse; Colin Sinclair Memorial Quaich presented in his memory by his family for the Best, start and finish combined overall; Bank of Scotland Cup for Best Ploughed lot by a Competitor in the N and W District; The late Charles Macivor Cup for the County Champion; The William Allan 1897 Cup re-presented by his grandson, Mr William Allan, Berkshire in 1997 for the County Champion; and Trophy donated by the Reps of the late William Farquhar Folly for the Champion on the Field – Michael Mackay, West Greenland.
The Daniel Cup presented by Mr Ian Daniel, Strichen for the best ploughed lot in the 12in and Reversible Sections and Grove Lounge Cup for Reserve Overall Champion – Gavin Robertson, Barrock.
Keith Murray Cup for 3rd Overall on the Field – John Matheson, North Kessock.
Furthest travelled – John Matheson, North Kessock.
Oldest ploughman – Gerald Macleod, North Kessock.
Best looking ploughman – Campbell Morrison, West Greenland.
