Ploughing enthusiasts from across the north of Scotland gathered at Meddat Farm at Kildary for the Easter Ross Ploughing Association’s annual ploughing contest.
A total of 56 entries from as far north as Thurso and south to Moray were forward for the contest at Meddat, which is run by the Cox family.
Association secretary Anne Wood said: “The morning began frosty and cold but the sun came out and Meddat proved to be a spectacular venue for our match. Apart from a shower in the middle of the day, it was a very pleasant day for both competitors and spectators.”
The overall champion title was awarded to Caithness ploughman Michael Mackay from Thurso, with fellow Caithness competitor Gavin Robertson, also from Thurso, placed reserve overall.
Michael Mackay was also placed conventional champion and overall vintage champion.
The reserve conventional championship award was presented to Graeme Mackay from Thurso.
The reversible champion was Gavin Robertson, with Donald Mackay of Rosskeen in reserve.
The best local vintage prize went to Alan Mackay from Alness, while Alice Cox of Kildary was named best novice at the contest.
The overall local champion award went to Donald Mackay.
The results were:
Reversible two-furrow: 1 – Gavin Robertson, Thurso; 2 – Donald Mackay, Rosskeen; 3 – John Fraser, Ardross.
Reversible three, four and five-furrow: 1 – Ali Fraser, North Kessock; 2 – Davie Harcus, Fearn; 3 – Dereak Austin, Tain.
Conventional: 1 – Graeme Mackay, Thurso; 2 – Andrew Rose, Munlochy; 3 – Stevie Blackwood, Thurso.
Classic: 1 – Fraser MacLennan, Culbokie; 2 – Andrew Gammie, Tore; 3 – Hugh Fraser, Fearn.
Vintage mounted: 1 – Neil MacDonald, Strathpeffer; 2 – Gerald Macleod, North Kessock; 3 – Michael Sutherland, Thurso.
Vintage trailed: 1 – Michael Mackay, Thurso; 2 – John Matheson, North Kessock; 3 – Ron Duncan, North Kessock.
Juniors: 1 – William Campbell, Watten; 2 – Alistair Maciver, Munlochy; 3 – Alice Cox, Kildary.
Demonstrators: 1 – Highland Tractors, Conon Bridge.
