All slightly muddied roads led to Turriff yesterday for the conclusion of one of the country’s biggest agricultural gatherings.
Visitors were out in force as the second day of the Turriff Show went ahead under blue skies.
Thousands enjoyed activities for all the family and browsed items ranging from dog treats for Fido to 150bhp tractors for the modern farmer.
Last night, Helen Paterson, the show’s treasurer and secretary, said part of the event’s success was that it provided a packed day out.
“Regardless of what your age is, there’s something for everyone at the Turriff Show, whether you’re interested in the sport or ring entertainment, or the livestock,” she said.
Numbers at the gates have not yet been counted, but the committee expect to have sold about 28,000 tickets – on a par with last year.
She said: “We couldn’t have asked for two nicer days, we’ve been really, really lucky. I thought today might have been the day rain would come, but it cleared up and we’ve had a great turnout again.”
Senior politicians Willie Rennie and Richard Lochhead mingled with show-goers and gave talks to the National Farmers Union.
Former first-minister Alex Salmond was also in attendance and signed copies of his book The Dream Shall Never Die between an on-location surgery for constituents.
He said: “I had a great time and it was fantastic to see the show blessed with two great days of weather.
“It has been very crowded, but very enjoyable, and well done to the committee for the efforts in staging such a wonderful spectacle.”
Foster Bruce, who was exhibiting with CLAAS Tractors, said the annual gathering was an excellent shop window for agricultural businesses.
“The show has been good this year and it was quite busy yesterday,” he added.
“It’s definitely worthwhile being here, you’ve got to be seen. If you aren’t here, you get forgotten about.”
Montrose firm Ross Agri was among those exhibiting brand new machinery.
Salesman Stephen Milne said the Fendt 313 tractor on display was the first one in Scotland.
“It’s the start of a new range,” he said.
“It has the latest in efficient engines, and costs about £70,000. There have been a few people looking at it over the weekend.
“The Turriff Show has definitely been a success for us.”
Marrs’ of Methlick spokesman Gerard Cameron said the annual show had given his company an opportunity to re-introduce itself into the marketplace for high horsepower tractors with its new Zetor model.
He said: “We used to be in that high horsepower bracket but then we pulled out of that about 15 years ago.
“We haven’t really had a tractor in that league to compete with, whether we wanted to or not, but with the Zetor 150HD we can get back into it. It will get us back onto the arable farms.”
Click here for Farming competition results, and here’s the rest.
CHILDREN’S PET PARADE
1. Cameron Liddle, Tarves, with cocker spaniel Sweep
2. Finlay Strachan, Turriff, with border terrier Scout
3. Lucy Fraser, Old Rayne, with Shetland sheep dog Charlie
CHILDREN’S RACES
Girls
5-years and under
1. Tia Raffen, Hillhead
2. Rebecca Morris (no address given)
3. Casey Steven, Turriff
10-years and under
1. Joanna McKenzie, Rolnie
2. Lyndsay Reach, Glasgow
3. Megan Josh, Inverurie
14-years and under
1. Radina Gibb, Nottingham
2. Emma Elder, Cuminstown
3. Amy Walker, Old Rayne
Boys
5-years and under
1. Logan Josh, Inverurie
2. Shaun Denim, Inverurie
3. Ryan Pirie, New Deer
10-years and under
1. Richie Rennach, Aberdeen
2. Logan Knox, Turriff,
3. Calum Hooper, Perth
14-years and under
1. Adam Walker, Kirkton of Rayne
2. Findlay Taylor, Stonehaven
3. Archie Knox, Turriff
800-METRES FOOT RACE
Women
1. Nicola Ewing, Fyvie
2. Abbie Duncan, Turriff
3. Sarah Ramsay, Premnay
Men
1. George French, Turriff
2. Alex Gibb, Aberdeen
3. Bruce Donald, Macduff
TUG OF WAR COMPETITION FOR YOUNG FARMERS CLUBS
Team of six men
1. Keith
2. New Deer
3. Alford
Team of six women
1. Keith
2. New Deer
3. Alford
VINTAGE VEHICLE DISPLAYS
Best restored tractor pre-1945
1. B. Cassie, Inverurie, with John Deere GP
2. James Innes and sons, Portsoy, with Fordson
3. Hugh Clark, Fetterangus, with International Farmall ‘A’
Best restored tractor 1945-1970
1. Graham Taylor, Banff, with Massey Ferguson 35X
2. Irene McDonald, New Deer, with Massey Ferguson
3. Sheila Marr, Cuminestown, with Massey Ferguson 175
Best restored tractor post-1970
1. Graham and Angela Smith, Turriff, with Ford 7600
2. Graham Taylor, Banff, with Massey Ferguson 148
3. Willie Mitchell, Turriff, with Ford 7810
Best restored classic car
1. Bill Ironside, Boyndlie, with Morris Ten Four
2. Alan Lovie, Banff, with Wolseley 1500
3. Thomas Bowman, Peterhead, with Morris Minor 1000
Best restored commercial vvehicle
1. Vanda Dingwall, Ellon, with Morris Minor van
2. Michael and Patsy Cumming, Peterhead, with Austin Mini pick-up
3. George Clark, Turriff, with Morris Mini 1000
Best restored stationary engine
1. Craig Morrison, New Byth, with Bamfords engine
2. Edna Clark, Methlick, with Ruston Hornsby engine
3. Craig Morrison, Turriff, with Amanco pumping set engine
Overall best restored exhibit
1. Graham and Angela Smith, Turriff, with Ford 7600
Best original tractor
1. Gary Morrison, Turriff, Fordson Major tractor
Best restored classic car
1. Bill Ironside, Boyndlie, Morris Ten Four
TRADE STANDS
Best large trade stand – non-machinery
1. Harbro Ltd
2. Norvite
3. Forestry Industry
Best large trade stand – machinery
1. Ravehill Ltd
2. CC Powell Ltd
3. Bruce Farm Machinery
Best presented stand from machinery manufacturer
1. GM Agricultural
2. Bryce Suma Post Drivers
Best presented trade stand for commercials and automobiles
1. Station Garage
2. Regency Car Sales
3. John Clark Motor Group
Best presented trade stand for first-time exhibitor
1. Joa-Toa
2. Code Natural Scotland
3. Highland Home Centre
Best presented small stand in the food fayre
1. Mackintosh of Glendaveny
2. The Davenick Dairy
3. Cocoa Ooze
Best presented stand in the indoor shopping mall
1. Creations Tartan Bodices
2. Angela Davidson
3. Williamson’s Garden Centre
Best presented stand in the art and craft marquee
1. Weelainy
2. Wondrous Wood
3. Joy Scented Candles
Best presented stand in the Ferguson Hall
1. Fife Lodge
2. More Than Kitchens
3. Elegance Natural Skin Care