The organisers of Moray’s biggest agricultural show have hailed it a “spectacular” success after washout last year.
About 13,000 visitors flocked to the Keith Show yesterday and Sunday, enjoying the sunshine as they took in the various livestock competitions, displays and stalls.
It was a far cry from last year’s show, where organisers were forced to call off the Monday events due to stormy weather caused by the aftermath of Hurricane Bertha.
Yesterday’s activities focused mainly on livestock competitions and trade stands, while on Sunday the crowds enjoyed the horse classes and other family-geared activities.
Last night show secretary Tina Craib said: “It has been a spectacular event. There was a terrific display of cattle, sheep and native horses.
“Getting the Monday back this year was huge.
“Having lost it last year put our plans for the improvement of the show park infrastructure back.
“We are trying to get permanent electrical and permanent water supplies at the show ground, so once we have tallied up everything, we should be back on track with that.”
The big winners in the ring yesterday were WJ and J Green, of Corskie Farm, near Garmouth, who won overall champion in the cattle classes with their 45,000 guinea Simmental bull Bell dhu Capercaillie.
And in the Scottish Beef Supreme Cattle Championship – a prize totally unique to Keith Show which is open to any beef animal that has won a show championship in Scotland – Lady Moo Moo took the title.
Entered by Blair Duffton, of Huntly, and Rebecca Stuart, of Inch, the Limousin cross heifer, has won at a number of shows across the country this season.
Richard Lochhead, who attended the show yesterday, said he had enjoyed chatting to visitors, both in his role as local MSP and cabinet secretary for farming and food.
He added: “Everyone I spoke to was delighted that the sun had shone this year in contrast to some of the more challenging years in the past.
“Local farmers and visitors alike were enjoying themselves thoroughly as they enjoyed the showcase of some of the finest livestock on show anywhere in Scotland.”