Praise for ‘tremendous team’ at 100th Latheron Show
Organisers of the Latheron Show were described as a “tremendous team” after record-breaking crowds flocked to West Clyth Farm for Saturday’s landmark event.
The 100th show was always going to be a memorable occasion – but a day of perfect weather made it all the more special.
Although the committee was not able to confirm a figure, it is understood the attendance was more than 5000.
Dinosaurs were on the rampage courtesy of Rent a Dinosaur, with plenty of audience participation as excited children came face to face with a Tyrannosaurus rex, a megalosaurus and a stegosaurus as well as a few smaller prehistoric creatures.
Other family-friendly attractions included JCB Dancing Diggers and Alan Jamieson’s pig agility team. Food and drink suppliers were in great demand as showgoers stopped for sustenance in between admiring the livestock and visiting the marquees and stalls.
Commentator Willie Mackay was impressed by the efforts of the committee.
Speaking in the early afternoon, during a brief break from microphone duties, the well-known Highland councillor said: “I was here at eight o’clock this morning and I’ve never stopped speaking. I’ve never spoken so much in all my life.
“There is so much happening here, it’s quite unbelievable. It’s a tremendous day, and what a turnout. I can see people here from all over the country.
“I was speaking to one or two visitors and they’re just over the moon with this great agricultural event in Caithness. You couldn’t wish for better.
“I was with the organisers all last week and watching them working hard, getting set up, was impressive – a tremendous team, all working together to put on the show.
“What I like to see is that the stands, all the attractions, are being well supported.
“I get involved in quite a lot of events and every year at the beginning of June I say to the first organisers, ‘Look, somebody is going to get a scorcher over the next two months.’
“Last year it never happened – there was nobody having picnics on the grass like they are here today. This is a real family atmosphere and everybody is enjoying themselves. It’s fantastic.”
Gladys Gunn, convener of the flower committee, said: “We’re just overwhelmed with everything. We have a big new marquee and it has been absolutely amazing.
“We’ve had very good feedback and we must thank everybody who has participated and come and supported the show.”
Highland councillor Jan McEwan was one of the flower show stewards.
She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here on this beautiful sunny day for the 100th Latheron Show. It gets better and better every year.
“Well done to the committee and all the conveners and helpers and volunteers. It’s an amazing day. Look at the crowds!”
There were Highland dancing competitions and Caithness Youth Pipe Band performed in the main ring.
The dinosaur experience, a first for the north, was supported by the Lybster and Tannach Fund and Foundation Scotland.
Results and more pictures from the 100th Latheron Show to follow.