Nobody can deny there was a sense of trepidation in the air as to how the weather would unfold today for the 181st Caithness Show in Thurso.
A campervan became bogged down in muddy ground but this was the only visible casualty for what turned out to be a day of successes mixed with a few tears for the losers and fun for the many who visited the popular agricultural show.
This campervan was bogged down trying to exit the car park and needed several helping hands to get it moving. Picture: DGSWhile not always sunny throughout the event the conditions were generally pleasant. Picture: DGSFun for all at the sideshows. Picture: DGSFrom left, David Campbell, Jen Kidd and Rob Anderson from West of Orkney Windfarm, the main sponsor of the event. Picture: DGSPresident of the Caithness Show, Iain Miller takes a call as judging gets underway in the main ring. Picture: DGS
President of the Caithness Show, Iain Miller said: “It’s gone great and especially after all that rain we had last night when I thought it was going to be a washout.
“The forecast was good though and the rain moved west. For an outdoor event in Scotland, you have to take what you get.”
Iain thanked Lord Thurso for loaning the ground where the show takes place and called it “a brilliant site” for the event.
Francesca Wilson from PoleFlexFitness. Picture: DGSStunt riders from Broke FMX performed in the main ring. Picture: DGSHenry Gunn was a past president of the Caithness Show. Picture: DGSLong queues at some of the food stands. Picture: DGSThurso and Northwest Caithness councillor Matthew Reiss was enjoying the event. Picture: DGS
Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor Matthew Reiss said that the “energy and vitality” surrounding the event were clearly evident. “There are so many families and people of all ages wandering around,” he said.
“It’s reminded me of what a strong community it is despite the difficulties of health, roads and depopulation – there is just so much going for the county.”
He noted that there are various other major events planned locally and that the “county really does punch above its weight”.
This boy's a high-flyer for sure! Picture: DGSColourful prizes at this attraction. Picture: DGSJody Sinclair from Kaluna Catering gets involved with some serious burger-making. Picture: DGSNicola Macleod from Westfield had her work cut out for her as show secretary. Picture: DGS
Nicola Macleod has been Caithness Show secretary for three years and said the day had been excellent. “It’s gone really, really well and we have a fantastic committee. There’s been a good turnout of people and everyone’s happy.
“It’s a bit muddy underfoot but otherwise it’s going well. We’re grateful there was no heavy rain except for the bit overnight.”
Nicola was unable to give a final tally of the takings but in her estimation, it was on a par with the last couple of years.
There will be results and more Caithness Show information and pictures coming soon.
This calf got a bit excited during the prize-giving and took off. Picture: DGSThe show mascot provided fun and laughter in the main ring. Picture: DGSThree Caithness Show stalwarts get together for a blether. Picture: DGSLiz Hewitson, who is well known in the Caithness agricultural scene, pictured with Dora the donkey. Picture: DGSTom Morris and his wife Leah Davis were visiting from Lossiemouth. Leah is an accomplished artist, originally from Thurso, who will be exhibiting at the Society of Caithness Artists show next week. Picture: DGSJudging at the dog show. Picture: DGSHenrik the dachshund with many of the rosettes he won on the day. Picture: DGSElegance personified for the Driving Turnouts in the main ring. Picture: DGSPeter and Carole Darmady with Leo the dog. Picture: DGSThe ever popular tug of war competition was one of the final events of the day. Picture: DGS
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