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Showcasing the best of rural Caithness with two days of agricultural excellence and family entertainment





The supreme sheep championship in 2024 went to the commercial sheep champions from Messrs Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland Farms. The champions were a four-crop Suffolk cross Texel ewe with her March cross Texel wedder lambs. Three generation of Sutherlands lined up for the family photo. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
The supreme sheep championship in 2024 went to the commercial sheep champions from Messrs Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland Farms. The champions were a four-crop Suffolk cross Texel ewe with her March cross Texel wedder lambs. Three generation of Sutherlands lined up for the family photo. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

The Caithness Show, a long-standing highlight of the agricultural and social calendar, will return to the Riverside and Westerseat grounds at Wick on Friday and Saturday, July 18/19.

Now in its 182nd year, the show is widely regarded as the premier agricultural event in the north, drawing large crowds and showcasing the best of rural Caithness.

This year’s president, Alexander Finlayson, told of his pride in leading the event.

“It’s a tremendous honour to preside over the 182nd Caithness Show,” he said. “In a time of great uncertainty for farming, the show continues to champion the very best of our rural community – from top-quality livestock and local produce to crafts, vintage machinery and more.

“I’m incredibly grateful to our exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and organisers for their commitment and hard work. We look forward to welcoming visitors for what promises to be another fantastic day.”

Mr Finlayson is supported by vice-president Fiona Swanson and junior vice-president Gemma Duguid.

Graham Sutherland, of Occumster, took the champion of champions title at last year’s show in Thurso with his supreme cattle champion, Jojo, a February-born British Blue cross Limousin heifer calf. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Graham Sutherland, of Occumster, took the champion of champions title at last year’s show in Thurso with his supreme cattle champion, Jojo, a February-born British Blue cross Limousin heifer calf. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Caithness Agricultural Society secretary Nicola Macleod reported a total of 962 competitive entries this year, comprising 296 horses, 477 sheep, 69 cattle and 120 entries across goats, rabbits, poultry, fleece and vintage machinery.

There were also a fantastic 48 fields entered into the crop competition, first launched in 2024, with the winners announced on show day.

The society acknowledged the continued backing from local sponsors, businesses and trade stand holders, with both long-standing participants and new exhibitors and sponsors confirmed.

Saturday’s main-ring attractions promise thrills and excitement.

The Xtreme Stunt Team will deliver a truly unique and thrilling stunt display, guaranteed to captivate audiences of all ages.

Leading the team is Dan Clark, a world-renowned stunt rider with over 15 years of international performance experience. A multiple-time trials champion, Dan also proudly earned a gold medal representing Great Britain in the Trial des Nations.

Joining him is Alice Minta, an exciting rising star in the world of British trials riding. Alice is the most recent recipient of the Pinhard Trophy, and her skill and flair make her a standout addition to the team.

With both riders boasting multiple championships and remarkable achievements, the Xtreme Stunt Team promises an unforgettable experience.

Also appearing on Saturday are Tom and Luke Stoltman, known globally as the world’s strongest brothers. Tom is a three-time world’s strongest man, and Luke, Britain’s strongest man, is a two-time Europe’s strongest man.

The world’s strongest brothers Luke and Tom Stoltman will be appearing on Saturday. Picture: James Mackenzie
The world’s strongest brothers Luke and Tom Stoltman will be appearing on Saturday. Picture: James Mackenzie

The Invergordon brothers will be meeting visitors in the morning and taking part in a series of afternoon events, including the children’s races, children’s tug of war, Caithness’s Fittest Young Farmers competition and a sheaf-tossing challenge.

The show continues to honour its agricultural roots with two days of livestock and equestrian competitions. Working hunter and showjumping classes will be held on Friday, with further equestrian events on Saturday alongside the judging of livestock, fleece, poultry, rabbits and vintage machinery.

The Caithness District Young Farmers will once again bring energy and enthusiasm to this year’s show with a packed programme of competitions and hands-on activities designed to engage and entertain visitors of all ages.

A section of the crowd watching the tug-of-war competition at last year’s show. Picture: Alan Hendry
A section of the crowd watching the tug-of-war competition at last year’s show. Picture: Alan Hendry

A highlight is the return of the Kennedy Cup, with local clubs showcasing their teamwork and agricultural knowledge in a series of competitive displays. Also back by popular demand is the Caithness Fittest Young Farmers competition, with teams from Bower, Forss and Halkirk going head-to-head for the coveted title.

In addition to the main competitions, the Young Farmers’ area will feature a variety of interactive activities, including the RHET (Royal Highland Education Trust) Highland milking cow, offering a hands-on educational farming experience for children, a lucky squares competition, Nail in the Bale and a silent auction – and you can also test your balance with the toppling donkey!

Blending friendly competition, rural heritage and family entertainment, the Young Farmers’ involvement continues to be a much-loved part of the County Show. Their contribution reflects the spirit and vitality of the local agricultural community, and organisers are delighted to welcome them back.

Matthew Tucker Jnr, from Wick, won the 2024 pig championship with his piglet named Malteser. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Matthew Tucker Jnr, from Wick, won the 2024 pig championship with his piglet named Malteser. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

A packed programme of activities ensures something for every age group. The Children’s Discovery Tent, supported by RHET, Home-Start and Messy Nessy, will feature a variety of farming-related activities and crafts, sensory play, soft play areas, Nerf games and glitter face-painting.

The wool tent will host children’s wool-rolling competitions as well as spinning demonstrations and wool-related crafts. Young visitors can also help Cassie the Highland cow find her missing herd in a showground-wide treasure hunt.

Caithness Animal Farm Park brings an interactive petting zoo with animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises, alpacas, geckos, a snake and a tarantula.

The Northern Quality Produce marquee will showcase a wide range of local produce including baking, cheese, charcuterie, jams, chutneys, craft spirits and liqueurs and beautiful artisan crafts, gifts and jewellery.

The show will also welcome CAMEO (Caithness Association for Music and Events Outreach), a new initiative supporting live music and cultural events across the county. Its tent in the Food Village will host performances by talented local musicians throughout Saturday.

One of the classic tractors on parade at a previous County Show in Wick. Picture: Alan Hendry
One of the classic tractors on parade at a previous County Show in Wick. Picture: Alan Hendry

Caithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club returns with a large display of classic tractors and what promises to be another impressive main-ring parade at 3.30pm.

The SWI, flower show and open industrial sections will again be there, alongside many favourite trade exhibitors, including Allan’s of Gillock, W & A Geddes, Caithness Livestock Breeders and Aberdeen and Northern Marts. New trade stands include Alistair Young Engineering, CLM Agri and John Elder & Sons.

Other show field highlights include the ever-popular dog show, entertainment from Caithness Youth Pipe Band, driving turnouts, children’s races, tug of war and a welcome return for the sheaf-tossing competition, including a special guest challenge.

Caithness Agricultural Society secretary Nicola Macleod accompanies Cassie, the Highland cow mascot, onto the show field at Thurso East in 2024. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Caithness Agricultural Society secretary Nicola Macleod accompanies Cassie, the Highland cow mascot, onto the show field at Thurso East in 2024. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Admission and evening celebrations – Friday admission: £5 adults; £2 concessions and children; under-fives free.

Saturday admission: £10 adults; £6 concessions; £5 children; under-fives free.

Car parking: Free on both days.

Following Saturday’s events, a two-course carvery dinner and dance will be held at the Norseman Hotel, with live music by Whisky.

Dinner and dance tickets: £25 (available from the secretary’s bus during the show).

Dance-only tickets: £10 (available at the door).

For more details and to keep up to date, follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/caithness.show

This year’s main sponsor is Achairn Energy Ltd and main-ring entertainment sponsors are Gow Groundworks and Amentum.

Go to www.caithnessshow.co.uk for a full list of sponsors and trade stands.

Mum and daughter Moira and Caitlin Forbes, from Latheron, at the 2024 County Show in Thurso. Picture: Alan Hendry
Mum and daughter Moira and Caitlin Forbes, from Latheron, at the 2024 County Show in Thurso. Picture: Alan Hendry
Crowds enjoying the main-ring entertainment on when the County Show was last held in Wick, in 2023. Picture: Alan Hendry
Crowds enjoying the main-ring entertainment on when the County Show was last held in Wick, in 2023. Picture: Alan Hendry
Some of the tug-of-war competitors at last year’s County Show. Picture: Alan Hendry
Some of the tug-of-war competitors at last year’s County Show. Picture: Alan Hendry
Kelly Peace with last year’s reserve champion of champions, the supreme horse champion and Shetland pony champion from the Hools Shetland Pony Stud, Toad, Orkney – Hools Je T’aime, a two-year-old filly. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Kelly Peace with last year’s reserve champion of champions, the supreme horse champion and Shetland pony champion from the Hools Shetland Pony Stud, Toad, Orkney – Hools Je T’aime, a two-year-old filly. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

The 2024 County Show was thought to have attracted a record-breaking attendance, with close to 7000 people having made their way to Thurso East.


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