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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.

Kids enjoyed riding this savage bull at the event. Picture: DGS
Kids enjoyed riding this savage bull at the event. Picture: DGS
Local farrier shows how to shoe a horse. Picture: DGS
Local farrier shows how to shoe a horse. Picture: DGS
Andrew Macleod whose family stages the annual Thrumster Game Fair had a display of his wildlife photographs. Picture: DGS
Andrew Macleod whose family stages the annual Thrumster Game Fair had a display of his wildlife photographs. Picture: DGS
Judging at one of the many dog show events. Picture: DGS
Judging at one of the many dog show events. Picture: DGS
Children could safely compete in this laser clay shooting event. Picture: DGS
Children could safely compete in this laser clay shooting event. Picture: DGS

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.

Puldagon Farm Shop and Restaurant had exquisite food thanks to their mobile shop. Picture: DGS
Puldagon Farm Shop and Restaurant had exquisite food thanks to their mobile shop. Picture: DGS
Tasty chips for Wick's Harbour Chip Shop. Picture: DGS
Tasty chips for Wick's Harbour Chip Shop. Picture: DGS
A chihuahua is judged during the dog show. Picture: DGS
A chihuahua is judged during the dog show. Picture: DGS
Max Muir explains a little about gundog training. Picture: DGS
Max Muir explains a little about gundog training. Picture: DGS
Gabriella Ivey put on an elegant display for side saddle. The horsewoman had three wins at the Blair Castle International Horse Trials last year. Picture: DGS
Gabriella Ivey put on an elegant display for side saddle. The horsewoman had three wins at the Blair Castle International Horse Trials last year. Picture: DGS

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.

Gabriella Ivey resplendent in her period-style costume for the side saddle display. Picture: DGS
Gabriella Ivey resplendent in her period-style costume for the side saddle display. Picture: DGS

“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.”

Annemarie Simpson operates a charity stand for Encompass Caithness. Picture: DGS
Annemarie Simpson operates a charity stand for Encompass Caithness. Picture: DGS
Some of the various indoor stands at the game fair. Picture: DGS
Some of the various indoor stands at the game fair. Picture: DGS
Pet gundog talk with Max Muir. Picture: DGS
Pet gundog talk with Max Muir. Picture: DGS
Norma Craven and Raymond Hill with a local heritage display of photographs. Picture: DGS
Norma Craven and Raymond Hill with a local heritage display of photographs. Picture: DGS
Bean the chihuahua peeks out from a bag. Picture: DGS
Bean the chihuahua peeks out from a bag. Picture: DGS

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.”

Willie Mackay comperes the event and is flanked by Conor Buchan at left along with Darrin Sutherland who set up the PA system. Picture: DGS
Willie Mackay comperes the event and is flanked by Conor Buchan at left along with Darrin Sutherland who set up the PA system. Picture: DGS

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.

People of all ages could practice archery. Picture: DGS
People of all ages could practice archery. Picture: DGS
Many travelled from far and wide to enjoy the Thrumster Game Fair. Picture: DGS
Many travelled from far and wide to enjoy the Thrumster Game Fair. Picture: DGS
Two wirehaired dachshunds blend in with the grass. Picture: DGS
Two wirehaired dachshunds blend in with the grass. Picture: DGS
Adam Riley with his dog Tiddy who won first prize in the lure racing event at Thrumster Game Fair. Picture: DGS
Adam Riley with his dog Tiddy who won first prize in the lure racing event at Thrumster Game Fair. Picture: DGS
Stationary engine display. Picture: DGS
Stationary engine display. Picture: DGS

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.

Dog show at the 2024 Thrumster Game Fair. Picture: DGS
Dog show at the 2024 Thrumster Game Fair. Picture: DGS
Kev Stewart with his dogs at Thrumster Game Fair. Picture: DGS
Kev Stewart with his dogs at Thrumster Game Fair. Picture: DGS
There were displays of bygone crafts such as the art of spinning. Picture: DGS
There were displays of bygone crafts such as the art of spinning. Picture: DGS
Brian Brinded put on a display of rabbit netting. Picture: DGS
Brian Brinded put on a display of rabbit netting. Picture: DGS
Max Muir with his gundog. Picture: DGS
Max Muir with his gundog. Picture: DGS

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