PICTURE SPECIAL: Family fun for all at Thrumster Game and Countryside Fair
Thrumster Game and Countryside Fair returned with an array of demonstrations, local food and drink stands along with many activities for all the family.
The free event also included falconry demonstrations, vintage machinery, laser clay competitions, kids races and side saddle on the field, along with fly-tying demonstrations, terrier racing and a dog show.
Catherine Macleod said: “We’d like to thank all our volunteers and we’re grateful for the wind farm funds from Camster along with Tannach and District [Foundation Scotland] which allowed the event to take place.
“We had some new features with wool demonstrations along with fly-tying and a cooking event by Alan Skivington from Clyth Charcuterie. That’s the first time we’ve done a cooking demonstration.
“It went well and the weather stayed pleasant on the day without any midgies bothering people.”
The ground remained firm and events ran smoothly with a sizeable crowd turning up to partake in a variety of activities and enjoy food from the many local businesses that were featured.
Gabriella Ivey put on a 20-minute display of side saddle, wearing an elegant vintage costume. The horsewoman, whose parents live in the Watten area, had three wins at the Blair Castle International Horse Trials last year.

“I’m showing people what side saddle is along with the history and costume. Originally, wealthy ladies would dress up in beautiful attire and ride around London parks looking for a suitable husband.
“We have a woollen habit for what we compete in every day and what we hunt in. We also have the costume classes which is normally ‘concours d'élégance’ in which you are depicting an ‘elegant picture’.”
Some side saddle competitors wear original costumes, she added, but they can be incredibly fragile and fall to pieces. “This is a newly made one by a seamstress who makes wedding dresses.”
Willie Mackay was once again compere for the game fair and said: "It’s been going very well and we’ve been hoping the sunshine will burst through but people just get wrapped up anyway to enjoy the many attractions at the event.
“It’s been very well attended. The dog shows have been especially popular and there’s been a terrific entry of dogs this year.”
He added: “It’s a free event and people have come from far and wide to attend. They’re out there having picnics on the grass despite it being a bit dull and overcast. It’s a really happy atmosphere.”
Wille said he comperes at a variety of local events including this year’s Mey Highland Games which the King attended.
The show also provided a chance to check out the latest finds from the Swartigill Iron Age dig that is taking place close by on the Thrumster Estate. The public is welcome to go along to the site and find out more about the fascinating structures being unearthed when the next dig takes place.