Sunny days are here again with Thrumster's ever-popular country fair
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Despite the torrential downpours of Saturday morning, the day brightened for a particularly sunny Thrumster Game and Countryside Fair.
The annual game fair at Thrumster had many activities and demonstrations such as laser clay shooting competitions, archaeology, terrier racing, trade stands, archery, ferrets, livestock, dog shows and a falconry display that included vultures.
Catherine MacLeod from Thrumster House, the main organiser of the game fair, said: "I went out at six in the morning and wondered if the tents were still on the field as it was a howling gale. Everyone still turned up and by about 12 o'clock it cleared up and we had brilliant sunshine.
"We had many great events and there was a side saddle demonstration this year for the first time. It's a free family event that's a bit like a village fête with a theme. Thanks to everyone for coming along and volunteering to help."
She said that events had to be pushed out a bit due to the poor weather earlier that day but the ground remained firm and events ran smoothly with a sizeable crowd turning up.
Managing director of Dounreay Mark Rouse is now a well-known face at community events like Saturday's fair and was with his wife Carole along with dogs Ginny and Lexi. "I guess we had a choice as there are other shows on today but we wanted to come to the local one and show our support. It's just lovely to come out into the fresh air with the dogs," he said. Ginny and Lexi did well on the day with special treats that were bought for them at one of the many trade stalls.
Willie Mackay was once again compere for the game fair and said: "It's been absolutely unbelievable. We arrived here this morning at nine o'clock and I was soaked to the skin by about half-past-nine.
"It was torrential rain here and I thought this was the end of the show but, not to worry, I had faith in the weather and lo and behold at 11.30am it started to clear. By 12 o'clock we had blue skies all the way and a massive crowd is now here and it's going really well."
Willie said that the programme had to be rescheduled due to the inclement conditions of the morning and events were pushed back by an hour. "Everybody is here now and we shall continue on. I'm delighted to see so many people from all over the county of Caithness coming here to enjoy the show this afternoon."
He said that people came prepared and had their oilskins on at first due to the "very unpleasant conditions" at the site which is close to Thrumster House. "The weather forecast was bang on accurate and all was well in the end."
Willie had recently compered at the Mey Highland Games which saw newly crowned King Charles III attend. "I didn't speak to him on the day but have met him on several occasions before when he was Prince Charles. I do hope to meet him at his granny's farm at Longoe [Castle of Mey] as I often go there."
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.
