Family fun for all at Thrumster Game Fair

The annual game fair at Thrumster was back at the weekend and proved a great success for the organisers and public who attended.

The Thrumster Game and Countryside Fair (TGCF) had activities and demonstrations throughout the misty but pleasantly mild Saturday show that included falconry, gundog and foxhound displays, pet shows, terrier racing, best dressed competitions, local archaeology information, food demos, archery, along with livestock and vintage tractors to see – and there was always more to find on the day.

Organiser of the event, Catherine MacLeod from Thrumster House, said at the end of the fair: "We've had a great day with lots of family fun and lots of local people coming to enjoy the event.

"There were lots of demonstrations and the stalls have done really well as well as the food producers. This fair is for everybody and we don't charge an entry fee as there are so many families that can't afford that. It's a day out that people can afford without bankrupting themselves."

Catherine described it as a "large village fête with a theme". She said that the weather had been fine for the event and despite some mist it had not rained or been windy. "We never had midges either. Could you ask for a better day?"

A large selection of dog breeds were on the field for competitive events along with many unusual shapes and sizes that could be seen with many of the visitors. One tiny dachshund got scared by the Wick Pipe Band starting up but had recovered enough later on to take part in one of the terrier races.

The TGCF was relaunched in 2018 after an 18-year hiatus and has gone from strength to strength to offer everything from wool demonstrations, vintage vehicle displays and a food hall that showcases some of the "best produce from the far north".

Local councillor Willie Mackay tirelessly acted as compere to the show and gave out awards and prizes throughout the day. "What an absolutely fantastic day it's been," he said. "There's been hundreds of people here and it's great to see them all, having a chat around the ring and taking part in events. They all really loved what the programme had to offer."

Willie also refereed at "one of the biggest tug of war events" he had ever witnessed. "There were ladies and gents along with boys and girls. There must have been 25 on each side but it was well-balanced and the ladies had the day, winning two pulls to one."

"Here we are in Caithness with shows opening up and people trying to forget those awful two years of Covid," said Willie who added that he has compered such events for 23 years now.

Managing director of Dounreay Mark Rouse is becoming a well-known face at community events like Saturday's fair and was with his dogs Ginny and Lexi. "It's just nice to come out and meet everybody and people from work," said Mark.

"We support the local community and spend money in the local community. This is our second year for living up here. It's very dog friendly here and it's a lovely event. Every weekend there's something to do here in Caithness."

The show also provided a chance to meet some of the archaeologists involved with the Swartigill dig that is taking place close by on the Thrumster Estate. Rick Barton, project officer with the dig, said that the covers will be coming off at the site on Monday and that all interested in volunteering should get in touch via the Yarrows Heritage Website.

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