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Record turnout for Caithness Young Farmers’ Christmas tractor run





A total of 83 tractors took part in the event organised by Caithness District Young Farmers, finishing up at Thurso harbour. Picture: Karen Munro
A total of 83 tractors took part in the event organised by Caithness District Young Farmers, finishing up at Thurso harbour. Picture: Karen Munro

Young Farmers in Caithness had a record turnout for their latest fundraising Christmas tractor run.

Friday’s event, from Halkirk to Thurso via Castletown, featured a procession of 83 tractors decorated with festive lights.

It was the third year of the festive tractor run, with three good causes benefiting from the money collected. They are Caithness Heart Support Group, North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre in Thurso and RHET (Royal Highland Education Trust), the charity that teaches about food, farming and the countryside.

Stephen Dunnett, chairman of Caithness District Young Farmers, was delighted with the response.

“We had a whopping 83 tractors in attendance, all lit up and in the Christmas spirit,” he said.

One of the 83 tractors that took part in Caithness District Young Farmers' 2024 tractor run, a new record. Picture: Andrew Mackay
One of the 83 tractors that took part in Caithness District Young Farmers' 2024 tractor run, a new record. Picture: Andrew Mackay

“This is the largest attendance we’ve had so far in three years of hosting the event. Going by the feedback from the public, everyone agreed it certainly was a sight to see!

“We ventured through Halkirk, Castletown and Thurso this year, passing through Durran and Murkle along the way. We aim to cover the Watten and Wick areas next time.

“So far we’ve raised just over £5000 towards our chosen charities. Our JustGiving page is still open for further donations so hopefully that number will rise yet.

“It will be great to see it happen again next year, and hopefully it can keep growing and growing in the years to come.”

It was the third year of the festive tractor run organised by Caithness District Young Farmers. Picture: Karen Munro
It was the third year of the festive tractor run organised by Caithness District Young Farmers. Picture: Karen Munro

Secretary Bethany Swanson said: “It was great to have the charity tractor run again this year, with 83 tractors taking part. They were looking tremendous, all lit up and in the festive spirit.

“There was a great turnout of supporters of all ages along the whole route, which was great to see.”

The title of best-decorated tractor went to James Steven and his son. Best-looking driver was Aileen Henderson, along with passenger Jaclyn Sutherland, who were dressed up as the Minions.

Bethany added: “Our JustGiving page is being left open until January 19 for anyone who would still like to donate.”

Last year a convoy of more than 60 tractors took part on a route that began at Thurdistoft before going through Castletown, Thurso, Glengolly, Halkirk, Spittal, Watten and Reiss and ending in Wick.

Caithness Young Farmers celebrated their centenary year in 2023, during which they raised £15,000 for good causes.

The Scotland-wide movement began in Caithness in 1923 and a 100th anniversary committee marked the milestone by organising a series of events over the course of the 12 months.

One of the decorated tractors nearing the end of the route at Thurso harbour on Friday. Picture: Grant Coghill
One of the decorated tractors nearing the end of the route at Thurso harbour on Friday. Picture: Grant Coghill
One of the tractors festooned with Christmas lights. Picture: James Steven
One of the tractors festooned with Christmas lights. Picture: James Steven
Tractors gathering at Thurso harbour at the end of the event in aid of Caithness Heart Support Group, North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre and RHET. Picture: Karen Munro
Tractors gathering at Thurso harbour at the end of the event in aid of Caithness Heart Support Group, North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre and RHET. Picture: Karen Munro

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