North Uist had another successful agricultural show last week despite the poor weather conditions. Organisers, on arrival at the show ground early on Wednesday morning, were dismayed to discover that five marquees for stall holders had blown away with the strong wind during the night. However with all hands on deck the marquees were safely recovered and the show proceeded.
There was a great display of stock with sheep and horse numbers up on last year and cattle numbers down slightly.
Iain MacDonald, North Uist Agricultural Society president of Illeray, Baleshare, said: “I’m delighted to see such a great turn out at the show. We are indebted to the support we receive from exhibitors who go to the effort to bring livestock and produce and help make this a great event in the North Uist calendar.”
Champion sheep was a Texel ram from Hugh MacDonald, 3 Hosta. Cattle champion and
champion of champions (cattle, sheep and horses) was a 6-
Winner of the 2nd annual Junior Stock Judging competition was 15-
The garden produce was impressive with the winning collection of vegetables grown by exhibitor Jane Talyor from Berneray comprising 25 different types of vegetable. Mrs Taylor also won the MacGillivray Cup for the Best Kitchen Garden. It just shows what can be produced on a small island and when asked what her secret was Mrs Taylor said “it was a lot of hard work”.
Quality Meat Scotland had two butchery demonstrations during the day with both pulling in large crowds of spectators. Other attractions included a dog show, pet show, gate hanging competition and sheaf over the bar to round up the day.
Top quality produce at island show 18/8/11
Hugh MacDonald with his champion sheep at show and judge Angus Anderson