Thurso NFU branch sponsorship hook-up with 2025 Black Isle Show

EXCITEMENT is mounting as the scene is set for the biggest agricultural show of its kind in the north.

The countdown to the 186th Black Isle Show was started with news that the Dingwall and Thurso and Inverness and Elgin branches of NFU Mutual will be the main sponsors in 2025.

The event is a highlight in the farming calendar and an opportunity for many to catch up with friends and acquaintances across the Highlands and beyond. It’s also where millions of pounds of business is done by stallholders.

It’s a draw for the farming community in Caithness too.

President Tom Henderson said that the Black Isle Farmers’ Society is thankful to these local branches of the NFU coming on board again.

WATCH: 30,000 expected to attend two-day event

‘Tractor-daft’ tot has a ball at his first show

A spokesperson for the NFU branches said: “Once again we are proud to be the headline sponsors of the Black Isle Show in 2025. This is the fourth year that we have provided sponsorship to Black Isle Show, which is a real highlight in the farming calendar for many within our area and it is a privilege for the agencies to be able to continue to support the show.

“The NFU will be in its usual position at row G with catering for our clients and members once again provided by Forbes Farm Fresh. We will be on hand all day to answer any queries you may have around insurance or NFU Scotland membership. We look forward to seeing everyone there and we wish the show every success for 2025.”

This year the preview event takes place on Wednesday, August 6 with the gates opening at a slightly earlier time of 2pm.

Show day opens at 8am on Thursday, August 7. Entries for all livestock sections have now closed for this year, and are currently being processed, and early indications show that entry levels are good.

Entries can still be made for the sheep shearing competitions and the Flower Show will take entries up until 1pm on Wednesday, August 6. Competitors are however encouraged to pre-enter if possible.

Following a successful reintroduction in 2024, the Heavy Horse Turnout Championship will return in 2025. President Tom added that this class was a fantastic display and proved to be extremely popular in the main ring on Thursday.

He added that the society hoped to stage a demonstration class of ridden Clydesdales, with a view to introducing this on a permanent basis.

Wednesday night sees the Charity Tractor Push which has been run for a number of years. The slots for 2025 are almost full. Since the event was introduced, the society has donated over £10,000 to local causes and charities.

Teams of five take part with four to push and one to drive. Tom urged anyone who can muster a team and has a favourite charity or local good cause to contact the show office either by email or phone for an application form.

In the main ring this year, Stannage Stunt Team will bring excitement to audiences of all ages. Aaron and his team of stunt performers will hold three spectacular shows over the two days which includes high falls, high falls on fire, motorbike stunts, ramp jumping, fire stunts and explosions.

There is lots more to see, including a show jumping final on Wednesday, the colourful flower show, the fairground, sheep shearing, the sheep show and more.

The finest exhibits of livestock will be on judged on Thursday starting at 8am. For the dog lovers the companion dog show takes place at 1pm, entries are taken on the day, from noon. Classes for this can be found on the website.

Cookery demonstrations take place in the Food and Craft Hall and Bertie’s Barn. There’s also the chance to get close to some animals in Bertie’s Barn. If you feel like taking a pause, then there are various seating areas around the show, or pop into Tina’s Tearoom for a welcome cuppa and home bake. The tearoom raises funds for a charity and this year the charity is Held in Our Hearts. The bar tent has various music performances throughout the day.

And to end the day, the Show Dance will be held in the marquee. Headlining the dance is Dancing with Sharks.

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