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Tractors trundle across Caithness in inaugural William Gunn memorial run


By Alan Hendry

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Liam Gunn driving his late father's 1963 Fordson Super Major, with Craig and Loryn following behind. Picture: Neil Buchan
Liam Gunn driving his late father's 1963 Fordson Super Major, with Craig and Loryn following behind. Picture: Neil Buchan

Twenty tractors made their way through the heart of Caithness at the weekend as a tribute to a local farmer who passed away in 2015.

The inaugural William Gunn Memorial Tractor Run has raised well over £700 for Wick's Town and County Hospital, with more funds likely to come in.

The event was held on Saturday, on the sixth anniversary of William's death at the age of 62. The idea for the run came from William's grandson Craig Gunn (18) and his 13-year-old sister Loryn, from Quoys of Reiss.

Their father, Liam Gunn, explained: "There was a £15 entry for each tractor, plus donations, and it was all going to the Town and County Hospital because that's where dad spent his last few days. We're at £740 with possibly more to come yet.

"The staff in the Town and County Hospital were worth their weight in gold with dad. They were really amazing, so credit where it's due."

Liam's sister, Lorna Graham, and their mum Ann Gunn also helped with the running of the event.

The convoy heading over the Killimster Moss road during Saturday's inaugural William Gunn Memorial Tractor Run. Picture: Neil Buchan
The convoy heading over the Killimster Moss road during Saturday's inaugural William Gunn Memorial Tractor Run. Picture: Neil Buchan

Liam admitted that after Friday's stormy conditions they considered cancelling the run. However, there was a marked improvement in the weather on Saturday as the wind dropped and the sun shone. "There was a bit of a biting wind but it was quite a pleasant day in general," he said.

The tractors were on the road for just under three hours.

Starting at Quoys of Reiss, they made their way to Wick and then out to Watten, passing Greystones Farm, where William was originally from. The route continued past Loch Watten to William's last resting place at Watten cemetery where his grandchildren laid flowers.

The run carried on to Lynegar Farm and Gillock before going over to Bower and back in via Hastigrow and Killimster.

Liam was driving his late father's 1963 Fordson Super Major, which has been in the Gunn family since 1964, with Craig and Loryn following behind in a New Holland.

One of the tractors taking part in Saturday's event which started and finished at Quoys of Reiss. Picture: Neil Buchan
One of the tractors taking part in Saturday's event which started and finished at Quoys of Reiss. Picture: Neil Buchan
Some of the tractors making their way across the Killimster Moss road as they head back to Quoys of Reiss. Picture: Neil Buchan
Some of the tractors making their way across the Killimster Moss road as they head back to Quoys of Reiss. Picture: Neil Buchan
Tractor drivers paid an entry fee to take part, with all money going to Wick's Town and County Hospital. Picture: Neil Buchan
Tractor drivers paid an entry fee to take part, with all money going to Wick's Town and County Hospital. Picture: Neil Buchan
Three of the tractors in Saturday's William Gunn Memorial Tractor Run. Picture: Neil Buchan
Three of the tractors in Saturday's William Gunn Memorial Tractor Run. Picture: Neil Buchan
Two of the tractors at Killimster. Picture: Neil Buchan
Two of the tractors at Killimster. Picture: Neil Buchan
The inaugural William Gunn Memorial Tractor Run attracted 20 tractors which followed a route taking in Watten and Bower. Picture: Neil Buchan
The inaugural William Gunn Memorial Tractor Run attracted 20 tractors which followed a route taking in Watten and Bower. Picture: Neil Buchan

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