BY DANIEL CULLEN
The 75th Dunvegan Show proved a memorable success, with big crowds, high-quality competitions and some welcome afternoon sunshine helping to create a great atmosphere.
Show chairperson Iain Beaton told the Free Press it felt like one of the event’s busiest years.
“The show was a huge success. It was fantastic to see so many people come along and enjoy the 75th Dunvegan Show,” Iain said.
“We don’t have an exact gate figure yet, but it certainly felt like one of our busiest shows. We were fortunate that the sun came out during the afternoon, which really helped bring people out and created a great atmosphere around the showground.”
The livestock competitions saw a high standard displayed, with several other competitions also drawing praise from judges, Iain said.
“The standard of exhibits across the show was outstanding. It was a pleasure to walk through the classrooms and see the fantastic entries in the children’s classes, while the home produce, baking and craft sections were also of an exceptionally high standard.
“The livestock competitions were equally impressive, with excellent quality on display throughout. David MacLean enjoyed a particularly successful day in the sheep section, although it was a shame he couldn’t be there to celebrate as he was away judging at the Sutherland Show! Allan Macpherson’s heifer was a deserving overall champion – it was great to see Allan rewarded, as both he and his late father have been tremendous supporters of the Dunvegan Show over many years.”
Iain also paid tribute to the large team of people involved in making the annual event possible, with preparations beginning months before the show itself.
“Putting on the Dunvegan Show is a real team effort. Our committee begins planning each year’s event as early as February, and as the show approaches we’re joined by a fantastic group of volunteers who give up their time to help. We’d also like to thank our judges, exhibitors, sponsors, trade stands, entertainers and everyone who attended. Their continued support is what makes the Dunvegan Show such a special event for the local community.”
SEARCH BEGINS FOR TEMPORARY HOME FOR DUNVEGAN SHOW
This year’s event also marked the end of an important chapter for the show, with forthcoming work on the new Dunvegan Primary School meaning its traditional grounds are expected to be unavailable for the next two years.
Organisers are now looking for a suitable temporary venue and are appealing for suggestions which could provide a home for the show during that time.
“If anyone has any suggestions for a suitable location to host the show during that period, we’d be delighted to hear from them”, Iain explained.
The success of the 75th show therefore provided a fitting send-off for a venue which has played a major role in the event’s history over many decades.
Iain concluded: “After spending decades at Dunvegan Primary School, it felt especially fitting that our final show at the grounds in their current form was such a memorable success. It was a wonderful way to round off an important chapter in the show’s history, and we’re already looking forward to building on that success wherever the Dunvegan Show is held next.”
