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‘We couldn’t have picked a better day’: 100th Latheron Show is a record-breaker





The supreme horse championship and champion of champions went to Sarah Jane Aitken, Fouracres, Killimster, with the five-year-old mare Euphoria Cfs. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
The supreme horse championship and champion of champions went to Sarah Jane Aitken, Fouracres, Killimster, with the five-year-old mare Euphoria Cfs. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

The 100th Latheron Show is believed to have set a new attendance record – and the challenge now will be to keep up the momentum for many years to come, according to president Raymond Gunn.

“We couldn’t have picked a better day. It has been absolutely wonderful,” he said during Saturday’s show on his land at West Clyth Farm in glorious sunshine.

“Without counting, it’s definitely a record crowd. It’s one-and-a-half times what we’ve ever had before, at least.”

Although the organisers were not able to confirm the overall attendance, it is thought to have been over 5000.

The weather can’t always be relied upon at summer events in Caithness, but the 100th Latheron Show was blessed with wall-to-wall sunshine and warm temperatures. It was an occasion for T-shirts, shorts and sunglasses and there were long queues for the ice-cream vans.

When asked during the afternoon about feedback from showgoers, Mr Gunn declared that for some it was “the finest day they’ve ever had”.

Related story:

Praise for ‘tremendous team’ at 100th Latheron Show

He explained: “Some didn’t even know this show existed... Some said they’ve not been here in 20 years. They are like, ‘Wow, what a day!’”

Champion of champions went to the supreme horse champion, the five-year-old mare Euphoria Cfs from Sarah Jane Aitken, of Fouracres, Killimster.

J&J Gunn, Mavsey, Lybster, took the reserve champion of champions award with the supreme cattle champion, Caithness Nymph, with her bull calf at foot, Caithness Samson.

The reserve champion of champions award went to J&J Gunn, Mavsey, Lybster, with the supreme cattle champion, Caithness Nymph, a three-year-old home-bred Simmental cow after Corskie Jackpot, with her bull calf at foot. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
The reserve champion of champions award went to J&J Gunn, Mavsey, Lybster, with the supreme cattle champion, Caithness Nymph, a three-year-old home-bred Simmental cow after Corskie Jackpot, with her bull calf at foot. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Family-friendly attractions included Rent a Dinosaur – featuring a marauding Tyrannosaurus rex, stegosaurus and megalosaurus – as well as JCB Dancing Diggers and Alan Jamieson’s pig agility team.

“Everything here has been created for families, basically,” Mr Gunn said. “The livestock has had higher numbers, people who have not been here for a few years, so hopefully this is a stepping stone now to keep it up.”

However, he admitted: “I don’t know how we’re ever going to beat this.”

Mr Gunn also praised the small, hard-working show committee.

“There’s a little team and a huge amount of work involved. But they all came together and it happened,” he said.

“My wife says that she’s a show widow. She never really sees me, definitely this week, with the preparation and meeting up and discussing.”

Part of the heritage marquee was devoted to a “memory lane” area commemorating the 100th show, with old newspaper reports, catalogues and other documents on display along with an array of historic trophies.

To mark Latheron Agricultural Society’s 100th show, presidents past and present each received a commemorative flagstone plaque from the society's secretary, Joanne Gunn (third left). They are (from left) Gladys Gunn, who served in 2008/09; George Sinclair, 1994/95; Raymond Gunn, who has been president from 2018 to present and also served in 1988/89 and 1998-2001; Maureen Coghill, 2006/07; James Sinclair, 1986/87; Jim MacGregor, 1990/91 and 2010-12; John Grant, 2004/05 and 2013-15; James Mackay, 1996/97; and Ian Sinclair, 2002/03 and 2016/17. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
To mark Latheron Agricultural Society’s 100th show, presidents past and present each received a commemorative flagstone plaque from the society's secretary, Joanne Gunn (third left). They are (from left) Gladys Gunn, who served in 2008/09; George Sinclair, 1994/95; Raymond Gunn, who has been president from 2018 to present and also served in 1988/89 and 1998-2001; Maureen Coghill, 2006/07; James Sinclair, 1986/87; Jim MacGregor, 1990/91 and 2010-12; John Grant, 2004/05 and 2013-15; James Mackay, 1996/97; and Ian Sinclair, 2002/03 and 2016/17. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Mr Gunn said: “A lot of people have looked through their attics and come up with different bits and pieces. Nobody is going to have enough time to read all that [on show day itself], and we’ve got all the minutes since way back.

“I think we’re going to have to try and photograph it and reprint it onto something which can be readable to the general public because it’s seriously interesting reading.”

The heritage marquee also hosted craft and trade stalls, as well as live demonstrations.

Local tractor enthusiast Raymond Grant aimed to have 100 vintage and classic tractors on the field to mark the 100th show. In the end that target was exceeded and there were 127, including 23 that made the journey from Orkney.

The oldest tractor was from 103 years ago, a Ford belonging to the Barnetson family at Lynegar, Watten.

The outdoor sales area was busy all day, while Puldagon farm shop and restaurant returned with meals and drinks. The health and wellbeing marquee again had a range of charity stands and health groups offering advice and support.

There were play areas for young ones as well as children’s entertainers.

The first Latheron Show was held in 1911 but due to enforced breaks for the two world wars as well as for foot and mouth and Covid restrictions, it has taken until 2025 to reach the 100th event.

Results:

CATTLE

Supreme cattle champion: J&J Gunn, Mavsey, with Simmental cow Caithness Nymph and her bull calf at foot. Reserve supreme cattle champion: G Douglas, Milton, with Limousin cross cow Ruby with a calf at foot.

Overall native champion: Ben Evetts, Highland heifer. Reserve champion: Jack O’Connor, Aberdeen Angus Cow with calf at foot.

Overall continental champion: J&J Gunn, Mavsey. Reserve champion: G Oag, Achiebeg. Overall commercial champion: G Douglas, Milton. Reserve champion: M Munro, Invercharron.

Highland champion: B Evetts. Aberdeen Angus champion: J O’Connor, Mavsey.

Calum Smith, of Braehead, Ulbster, took the Young Farmers’ reserve cattle championship with a British Blue cross calf. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Calum Smith, of Braehead, Ulbster, took the Young Farmers’ reserve cattle championship with a British Blue cross calf. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Continental male born before October 1, 2024: 1 J Gunn; 2 E Grant. Continental female born before October 1, 2024: 1 J Gunn; 2 G Oag; 3 L Oag. Continental calf born after October 1, 2024: 1 J Gunn; 2 J K Manson; 3 S Tucker.

Cross cow in milk or in calf: 1 G Douglas; 2 G Sutherland. Cross cow with calf at foot: 1 G Douglas; 2 G Sutherland; 3 S Tucker. Cross heifer with calf at foot: 1 G Sutherland.

Cross heifer (coloured) born before June 1, 2024: 1 K Macleod; 2 G Munro. Cross steer or heifer born between October 1, 2024, and December 31: 1 H Sutherland; 2 Henry Sutherland. Cross calf born on or after January 1, 2025: 1 M Munro; 2 G Douglas.

Cross calf born on or after March 1, 2025: 1 G Sutherland; 2 J K Manson; 3 S Tucker. Calf champion: M Munro, Invercharron. Reserve champion: G Douglas, Milton.

Young Farmers pedigree champion: W Oag. Young Farmers commercial champion: C Smith.

Cattle young handler 16 and under: R Evetts, Halkirk. Cattle young handler 30 and under: J O’Connor, Mavsey.

Beth Douglas with the reserve supreme cattle champion. From Messrs Douglas, Milton, Watten, Ruby is a seven-year-old cross Limousin cow bred by Mackenzie, Achalone, Halkirk. Two weeks ago this cow won the supreme cattle championship and reserve champion of champions at Canisbay. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Beth Douglas with the reserve supreme cattle champion. From Messrs Douglas, Milton, Watten, Ruby is a seven-year-old cross Limousin cow bred by Mackenzie, Achalone, Halkirk. Two weeks ago this cow won the supreme cattle championship and reserve champion of champions at Canisbay. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Young Farmers competition – Pedigree born between 01/03/24 and 01/09/24: 1 W Oag; 2 S Tucker; 3 L Oag.

Commercial born between 01/03/24 and 01/09/24: G Munro. YF overall pedigree champion: Will Oag, Achiebeg.

YF overall commercial champion: Calum Smith, Upper Thrumster. YF overall champion: Will Oag, Achiebeg. Reserve champion: C Smith, Upper Thrumster.

SHEEP

Overall sheep champion: Mark Munro, Invercharron, with Beltex ewe. Reserve sheep champion: Carol Harris, Dunnet, with Cheviot ewe.

Cheviots, commercials and half-bred – Overall champion: Cheviot Ewe, Carol Harris, Dunnet. Reserve champion: Cheviot ewe lamb, J Henderson, Dunnet.

Cheviot champion and NCC breed society champion: Ewe, C Harris. Reserve champion: Cheviot ewe lamb, J Henderson, Dunnet.

Male hill Cheviot tup: 1 A Campbell; 2 A Campbell. Hill Cheviot tup lamb: 1 W Sutherland; 2 A Campbell. Female hill Cheviot: 1 Kirsty Grant; 2, 3 W Sutherland. Pen of four Cheviot sheep: 1 J Henderson.

Carol Harris, of Seaview Cottages, Dunnet, with her reserve supreme sheep, a three-year-old North Country Cheviot ewe after an Oldfield tup. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Carol Harris, of Seaview Cottages, Dunnet, with her reserve supreme sheep, a three-year-old North Country Cheviot ewe after an Oldfield tup. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Cheviot aged tup: 1, 2 Ann Campbell. Cheviot shearling tup: 1 C Harris; 2 J Henderson; 3 J&B Swanson. Cheviot tup lamb: 1 J Henderson; 2 J&B Swanson; 3 D&C Coghill.

Cheviot ewe in milk: 1 C Harris; 2 D&C Coghill; 3 J Henderson. Cheviot gimmer: 1 J&B Swanson; 2 J Forbes; 3 C Harris. Cheviot ewe lamb: 1 J Henderson; 2 W Campbell; 3 C Harris. Pen of three Cheviot ewe lambs: J Henderson.

Commercial sheep – Ewe with pure-bred twin lambs: DA&K Douglas. Commercial sheep – Ewe with cross-bred twin lambs: 1, 2 Messrs Sutherland; 3 Jack and Jenson Gunn.

Pen of two prime lambs – Ewe: 1 Messrs Sutherland; 2 Messrs Sutherland; 3 S Henderson. Half-bred ewe lamb: 1 Messrs Sutherland; 2 C Forbes.

Half-bred wedder lamb: C Forbes. Pen of three half-bred wedder lambs: C Forbes.

Tilly Munro with the supreme sheep champion from Messrs Munro, Invercharron Farm, Ardgay. Their champion was Invercharron Harley, a crop ewe after Showtonhill Fabian. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Tilly Munro with the supreme sheep champion from Messrs Munro, Invercharron Farm, Ardgay. Their champion was Invercharron Harley, a crop ewe after Showtonhill Fabian. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Cross sheep other than half-breds – Ewe: 1 Messrs Sutherland; 2nd DA&K Douglas. Cross sheep other than half-breds – Gimmer: 1, 2 Messrs Sutherland; 3 DA&K Douglas. Cross sheep other than half-breds – Ewe lamb: 1 Messrs Sutherland; 2 Messrs Sutherland; 3 DA&K Douglas.

Overall commercial champion: Ewe and pair of lambs, Messrs Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland. Reserve champion: Prime lambs, Messrs Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland.

Texel and any other continentals – Texel ewe: 1 A Gunn; 2, 3 J Forbes. Texel gimmer: 1, 2, 3 Bisset and Blackwood.

Texel ewe lamb: 1 A Henderson; 2nd C&W Budge; 3 Bisset and Blackwood. Texel shearling tup: 1 A Henderson; 2, 3 D Bain. Texel tup lamb: 1, 2 A Gunn; 3 Bisset and Blackwood. Pen of three Texel sheep: 1 A Gunn; 2 Bisset and Blackwood; 3 D Bain.

Overall Texel champion: Ewe, Angus Gunn, Hill of Forss. Reserve Texel champion: Tup lamb, Angus Gunn.

AOC ewe: 1, 2 M Munro, Bel; 3, E Bain BL Txl. AOC gimmer: 1, 2 J Munro, Bel; 3 J&B Swanson, Bel. AOC ewe lamb: 1 J Munro, Bel; 2, 3 K&N Mackay, BL Txl.

AOC aged tup: 1 K&N Mackay, BL Txl; 2 J Budge, DSP. AOC shearling tup: 1 J Munro, BL Txl; 2 M Munro, Bel; 3 E Bain, BL Txl. AOC tup lamb: 1 J Munro, Bel; 2 E Bain, BL Txl; 3 K&N Mackay, BL Txl.

Overall AOC: M Munro, Bel. Reserve overall AOC: M Munro, BL Txl shearling.

Eight-year-old Jack Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland Farms, Thurso, won the young handler class with a March-born Texel cross Beltex ewe lamb. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Eight-year-old Jack Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland Farms, Thurso, won the young handler class with a March-born Texel cross Beltex ewe lamb. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Suffolk – Suffolk ewe: 1 G Mackay; 2 H Sutherland. Suffolk gimmer: 1, 2 G Mackay; 3 H Sutherland. Suffolk ewe lamb: 1 C&W Budge; 2 H Sutherland; 3 G Mackay.

Suffolk aged tup: 1 G Mackay. Suffolk shearling tup: 1 G Mackay; 2 Henry Sutherland. Suffolk tup lamb: 1 Henry Sutherland; 2 J Anderson; 3 G Mackay.

Overall Suffolk champion and breed society champion: Henry Sutherland, Drummuie, Golspie. Reserve Suffolk champion: G Mackay, The Holding, Forss

Scottish Blackface – Ewe: 1 A&S Sutherland; 2 A Miller; 3 DA&K Douglas. Gimmer: 1 A&S Sutherland; 2 A Miller; 3 K Grant. Ewe lamb: 1 A&S Sutherland; 2 K Grant; 3 DA&K Douglas.

Aged tup: 1st DA&K Douglas. Shearling tup: 1 A&S Sutherland; 2 K Grant; 3 DA&K Douglas. Tup lamb: 1 A Miller.

Overall Blackface champion and breed society champion: Shearling tup, A&S Sutherland, Bardnaheigh. Reserve Blackface champion: Ewe lamb, A&S Sutherland, Bardnaheigh.

These Texels were grateful for the cover that gave them shelter from the sun at West Clyth Farm. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
These Texels were grateful for the cover that gave them shelter from the sun at West Clyth Farm. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Sheep, any other native – Ewe: 1 A&S Sutherland, SC Chev; 2 C Alexander, P Dors; 3 H Sinclair, Oxf. Gimmer: 1 DA&K Douglas, BFL; 2 A&S Sutherland, SC Chec; 3 D&C Coghill, Jcb.

Ewe lamb: 1 DA&K Douglas, BFL; 2 C Alexander, P Dors; 3 H Sinclair, Oxf. Tup: 1 A&S Sutherland, SC Chev. Shearling tup: 1 H Sinclair, Oxf; 2 C Forbes, Bor. Tup lamb: 1 H Sinclair, Oxf; 2 H Sinclair, Oxf; 3 C Alexander, P Dors.

Any other native champion: A&S Sutherland, Bardnaheigh, with South Country Cheviot. Reserve champion: DA&K Douglas, Achnamoine, with Bluefaced Leicester.

HORSES

Overall horse champion: Sarah Aitken with the ridden champion, Euphoria. Reserve horse champion: Isla Miller with her Clydesdale, Ha Durran Finlay.

Overall working hunter: Ruth Sutherland with Saint James. Overall reserve working hunter: Kayla Brown with Inkstack Valhalla.

Champion working hunter horse: Ruth Sutherland with Saint James. Reserve working hunter horse: Kayla Brown with Inkstack Valhalla.

Champion working hunter pony: Lucy Streight with Willows Game Changer. Reserve working hunter pony: Kloe O'Brien with Edwyns Royal Rocket.

Champion ridden horse: Sarah Jane Aitken with Euphoria Cfs. Reserve champion ridden horse: Kayla Brown with Innstack Valhalla.

Champion ridden pony: Rachel Macgregor with Waxwing Armada. Reserve ridden pony: Morven Mackenzie with Lady Cilla.

Champion Clydesdale: Isla Miller with Ha Durran Finlay. Reserve champion Clydesdale: Andrew Swanson with Hartcliff Loretta.

Champion Shetland: Beth Swanson with Rashiburn Dusty Lady. Reserve champion Shetland: Sarah Campbell with Tayberry Valiant.

Champion Highland: Margaret Anderson with Broynach Eve. Reserve Highland: Ashley Campbell with Erray Lime.

Champion in hand: Emma Gunn with Castletown Caledonia. Reserve champion in hand: Kimmy Lai with Arriebeg What a View.

Overall light-legged: Sarah Jane Aitken with Euphoria Cfs.

Champion in open jumping competition: Lucy Streight on Rough Diamond.

Champion donkey: Robert Streight, Thrumster, with Patrick.

Driving turnout champion: Isla Miller, Ha Durran Finlay.

Most points in horse sports trophy: Eliza Mackenzie with Barbie Girl

Fancy dress: Abbie Burt with Merlin.

Horse puissance sponsored by The Home Bakery: Lucy Streight on Hugo.

Pony puissance: Kloe O'Brien on Edwins Royal Rocket.

Danny McCarthy, Longoe Farm, Mey, took the poultry championship with a two-year-old Japanese bantam cock. Photo: Robert MacDonald/Northern Studios
Danny McCarthy, Longoe Farm, Mey, took the poultry championship with a two-year-old Japanese bantam cock. Photo: Robert MacDonald/Northern Studios

POULTRY

Overall champion and best in show: Danny McCarthy, Longoe Farm, Mey (bantam). Reserve overall champion: Alistair McCarthy, Longoe Farm, Mey

Large fowl champion: Kyle Sinclair, East Doll, Brora. Reserve large fowl: Matthew Tucker. Bantam champion: Danny McCarthy. Reserve bantam champion: Alistair McCarthy. Soft-feathered bantam: Danny McCarthy. Best opposite sex to champion: Matthew Tucker.

Best large poultry: Kyle Sinclair. Best junior: Ian Walker, Thurso. Reserve junior: Aiden Henderson, Dunnet. AOV – Novelty: Aiden Henderson.

HOME INDUSTRIES

Baking – Senior: 100th show celebration cake: 1 Aimee Sinclair, Lybster; 2 Donna Allan, Dunbeath; 3 Lynn Hendry, Forse. Empire biscuits: 1 Lynn Hendry, Forse; 2 Pat Hendry, Forse; 3 Anne Sutherland, Latheronwheel.

Plaited loaf: 1 Jacqueline Paul, Latheronwheel; 2 Anne Sutherland, Latheronwheel; 3 Lynn Hendry, Forse. Eclairs: 1 Lynn Hendry, Forse; 2 Anne Sutherland, Latheronwheel; 3 Dan Mirer, Berriedale.

Wedge of cheesecake: 1 Donna Allan, Dunbeath; 2 Aimee Sinclair, Lybster; 3 Mary Finlay, Lybster. Ramekin of pâté: 1 Anne Sutherland, Latheronwheel; 2 Pat Hendry, Forse; 3 Julia Dunnet, Wick.

Marshmallows: 1 Pat Hendry, Forse; 2 Sarah Smythe, Dornoch; 3 Lynn Hendry, Forse. Jar of lemon curd: 1 Jacqueline Paul, Latheronwheel; 2 Anne Sutherland, Latheronwheel; 3 Carol Grant, Lybster.

Eggs – Six duck eggs: 1 Susan Henderson, Wick; 2 I&H Warren, Tannach. Six hen eggs (white): 1 David Thomson, Thurso; 2 Matthew Tucker, Wick; 3 Daniel Walker, Thurso. Six hen eggs (tinted): 1 I&H Warren, Tannach; 2 Gavin Henderson, Wick; 3 Susan Henderson, Wick.

There were long queues for the ice-cream vans. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
There were long queues for the ice-cream vans. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Six hen egg (brown): 1 Peter Stewart, Thrumster (best exhibit); 2 Matthew Tucker; 3 Danny Clark, Barrock. Heaviest hen egg: 1 I&H Warren, Tannach; 2 Matthew Tucker; 3 Danny Clark. Six quail eggs: 1 I&H Warren, Tannach; 2 Clemency Crow, Westfield.

1lb Jar of honey: 1 Anne Budge, Watten; 2 Carol Gunn, Ackergill. Any item made from beeswax: 1 Anne Budge, Watten; 2 David Thomson, Thurso; 3 Calder Budge, Watten.

Half-pound of butter: Doris Gunn, Ackergill. Tub of crowdie: Doris Gunn.

Any item in willow: 1 Katie Millet, Logie Coldstone; 2 Christine Sutherland, Ulbster. Any item using natural sheep’s wool: 1 Veronica Macleod, Latheron; 2 Christine Sutherland, Ulbster; 3 David Thomson, Thurso.

Item in Aran/Aran-type wool: 1 Shirley Mackay, Thurso; 2 Pat Hendry, Forse; 3 Margaret Brock, Latheron. Best use of 100g of wool: 1 Patricia McShane, Lybster; 2 Pat Hendry; 3 Heather Urquhart, Thurso.

Crocheted item using “granny squares”: 1 Moreaux Amatis, Latheronwheel; 2 Lynn Hendry, Forse; 3 Pat Hendry. 3D animal in any craft: 1 Christine Sutherland; 2 Julia Dunnett, Wick; 3 Carol J Thain.

Decorated silk scarf: 1 Patricia McShane; 2 Sheena Macleod, Lybster; 3 Hilary Butcher, Dunbeath. Recycled item using old jeans: 1 Meg Macgill, Thrumster; 2 Shirley Mackay; 3 Christine Sutherland, Ulbster.

Painting of a Caithness scene: 1 Tracey Ferguson, Wick; 2 Anne Campbell, Thrumster; 3 Julia Waters, Wick. Three items of jewellery: 1 Lynn Hendry; 2 Carol Grant; 3 Meg Macgill.

Junior – 18 years and under – Beach-find artwork: 1 John Dunne, Lybster; 2 Aine Dunne, Lybster; 3 Orla Houston, Wick. A quirky sign: 1 Aine Dunne; 2 Orla Hourtson.

Twelve years and under – Pencil pot in any craft: 1 Emily Henderson, Lybster; 2 Oscar Banks, Wick; 3 Calder Budge, Watten.

Craft item using pompoms: 1 Iona Warren, Tannach; 2 Lily Banks, Wick; 3 John Dunne, Lybster.

Eight years and under – Animal using modelling clay: 1 Erin Nicolson, Borrowston; 2 Hamish Warren, Tannach; 3 Aria Macdonald, Lybster.

Farm-themed greeting cards: 1 Finn Millott, Aberdeenshire; 2 Emily Sinclair, Latheron; 3 Callen Byars, Wick.

Children not yet attending school – Decorated welly boot: 1 Scott Sinclair, Watten; 2 Maya Nicolson, Borrowston; 3 Finley Lyall, Wick.

Photography – Junior, This Farming Life: 1 Aine Dunne; 2 Kieran Mackenzie, Mavsey; 3 John Dunne. Senior – This Farming Life: 1 Oakley Cundall, Thurso; 2 Elizabeth Henderson, Tannach; 3 Sarah Sinclair, Latheronwheel.

Open – black-and-white farming photo of yesteryear: 1 Carol Gunn; 2 Donald Campbell; 3 Gavin Henderson, Wick.

Special prizes – Best exhibit in handicrafts: Patricia McShane. Most points in 18 and under: Aine Dunne. Most points in 12 and under: Lily Banks. Most points in eight and under: Emily Sinclair and Callen Byars.

Best junior photography: Aine Dunne. Best exhibit in primary school art: Maisie Gray. Best exhibit in nursery art: Alex O’Brien.

VINTAGE TRACTORS AND MACHINERY

Overall best on field: Graham Sinclair, Ford 4000. Reserve best on field: Nicol Mackenzie, Field Marshall. Most original tractor: 1 Jenson Gunn, MF35 Major; 2 Margaret Andrew, DB996; 3 Tyler Gordon, Fordson Major.

Best vintage tractor: 1 Nicol Mackenzie; 2 D Macleod; 3 Matthew Sutherland. Best classic tractor: 1 Graham Sinclair, Ford 4000; 2 Stewart Spence, JD3350; 3 Raymond Henderson, JD3350. Best static machinery: 1 Raymond Gunn, Welger baler; 2 Tyler Gordon, Ransomes plough; 3 Zeke Campbell.

Sheep judges (from left) Andrew Polson, Angus Brims and Stuart Wood deliberate over who should be awarded the supreme championship. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Sheep judges (from left) Andrew Polson, Angus Brims and Stuart Wood deliberate over who should be awarded the supreme championship. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Best working history: 1 D Macleod, Fordson N; 2 Jenson Gunn, MF35. Best-maintained exhibit: 1 Gavin Sutherland, MF 35; 2 Iain Sinclair, Fordson Major. Best unrestored exhibit: 1 Martin McDonald, Ford County; 2 Michael Sinclair, Muirhill.

Best-presented exhibit: 1 Alan Ross Winget loader; 2 Iain Sinclair, Fordson Major. Farthest travelled: 1 Orkney Vintage Tractor Club; 2 James Anderson, Dornoch. Best stationary engine: 1 Messrs Swanson; 2 Sinclair, Clachan.

Best-looking tractor driver: Gavin Sutherland. Best junior exhibitor: Matthew Sutherland. Unique exhibit: Clachan press baler. Best vintage farm machinery: Clachan press baler. Best David Brown on showfield: Raymond Grant, David Brown 996.

Best Ford/Fordson on showfield: Graham Sinclair, Ford 4000. Best Massey Ferguson on showfield: Gavin Sutherland. Oldest tractor on showfield: Barnetson family, Lynegar, Fordson F.

Claire Lowe, of Rampyards, Watten, took the goat championship with Milly, a 13-year-old Pygmy nanny. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Claire Lowe, of Rampyards, Watten, took the goat championship with Milly, a 13-year-old Pygmy nanny. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

GOATS, RABBITS, PET SHOW AND DOGS

Champion goat: Claire Lowe, Rampyards. Reserve champion goat: Claire Lowe.

Champion rabbit: Dawn Bellamy, Helmsdale.

Pet show – Best in show: Minnie Taylor, guinea pig. Reserve best in show: Clover Walker.

Dog show: Pedigree – Any variety puppy, 6-12 months: 1 Mari Hamilton, Skye terrier; 2 Jane Taylor, Cavalier King Charles; 3 Terri Watt, Border collie.

Any variety veteran, seven years and over: 1 Alfie (no other details supplied); 2 Emma Taylor, collie; 3 Mari Henderson, Skye terrier. Any variety terrier: 1 M Hamilton, Skye terrier; 2 Lynn Kennedy, Scottie.

Any variety working or pastoral: 1 Andrew Bremner, German Shepherd; 2 Terri Watt, collie; 3 Emma Taylor, collie. Any variety gundog: 1 Michael Sutherland; 2 G&D Mackay, Italian Spinone 3rd C Lord, GSP.

Any variety utility and toy: 1 Terri Watt, Italian Greyhound; 2 J Henderson, Lhasa Apso; 3 Sue Payton, poodle. Any variety hound: Nicole Fraser, Saluki.

Junior handler under 10: 1 Maisie McAdie; 2 Poppy Payton; 3 Demi and Mason Miller. Junior handler 10-16: 1 Nicole Ronaldson; 2 Sarah-Jayne Payton; 3 Kate Durrand.

Novelty: Any variety puppy, 4-6 months: 1 G&D Mackay, Italian Spinone; 2 Sarah McGillivray, Xoloitzcuintle; 3 Sue Payton, Toy Poodle.

Cross-breed dog: 1 David McGillivray, Biewer terrier; 2 J Smith, lurcher; 3 Emily MacAuley. Cross-breed bitch: 1 Nicola Fraser, lurcher; 2 Rebecca Buckley, Chihuahua X Jack Russell.

Handsome dog: 1 Nicola Fraser, Saluki; 2 Emily MacAulay, Sox; 3 Sarah McGillivray, Alba. Prettiest bitch: 1 Audrey McNab, Labrador; 2 Nicola Fraser, lurcher; 3 Ann Campbell, collie.

Dog the judge would like to take home: Toby the Biewer terrier; 2 Darcie the Skye terrier; 3 Finn.

Best in show: Mari Hamilton, Wyvis the Skye terrier. Reserve best in show: Mari Hamilton, Clova the Skye terrier.

Some of the prize-winning babies with judge Pam MacBeath (back, right). Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Some of the prize-winning babies with judge Pam MacBeath (back, right). Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

BABY SHOW

Best in baby show: Nola Sinclair, Scotscalder.

Up to six months: 1 Anna Grant; 2 Heidi MacDonald; 3 Cameron Scott. Six to 12 months: 1eq Romi Mowat and Nola Sinclair. Twelve to 18 months: 1 Ayla Jardine; 2 Beatrice Thomson; 3 Arlo Porter. Eighteen to 24 months: Olin Johnston.

HIGHLAND DANCING

Beginner, seven years old and under: Jodie Sinclair, Wick. Beginner, eight years old and over: Ohana Ortega-McPhee, Wick.

Novice, 10 years old and under: Emeli Gunn, Sibster. Novice, 11 years old and over: Poppy Pearson, New Deer.

Intermediate, 10 years old and under: Reese Sutherland, Wick. Intermediate, 11 years old and over: Grace Glass, Beauly.

Premier, 13 and under: Eilidh Budge, Halkirk. Age 14 and 15 premier: Carly Harrold, Wick.

Premier adults: Susie Lyall, Lyth.

Children’s sports – Overall winner: Declan MacDonald. Confined to parish: Declan MacDonald.

JCB Dancing Diggers provided the main-ring attraction. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
JCB Dancing Diggers provided the main-ring attraction. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Isla Miller, of Quarryside Croft House, East Murkle, with the reserve supreme horse champion, Ha Durran Finlay, a seven-year-old Clydesdale stallion. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Isla Miller, of Quarryside Croft House, East Murkle, with the reserve supreme horse champion, Ha Durran Finlay, a seven-year-old Clydesdale stallion. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Robert Streight, of Thrumster, who took the donkey championship, leads 17-year-old Patrick around the main ring. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Robert Streight, of Thrumster, who took the donkey championship, leads 17-year-old Patrick around the main ring. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Will Oag, Achiebeg Farm, Shebster, took the Young Farmers’ championship with Brims Vienna, a 14-month-old home-bred Limousin heifer after Wilodge Cerberus. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
Will Oag, Achiebeg Farm, Shebster, took the Young Farmers’ championship with Brims Vienna, a 14-month-old home-bred Limousin heifer after Wilodge Cerberus. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

More results will follow.


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