Biggar and better as exhibitors turn out

From the top animals in the agricultural world to the latest in farm equipment, the best of baking and even a golden eagle, there was plenty to see.

Entertainment included local accordion band Koda, and craft demonstrations, while local produce was on sale in the food hall.

The chance to knock a shivering young farmer into a tub of cold water was irresistible, and the fun continued with speed shearing in the evening and the dance at night.

“We have had a fantastic turnout,” said Biggar Farmers Club president David Paterson.

“I think the turnout was up on last year.

“The weather was not been too bad and folk have come out and supported us for another year. I am pretty pleased.”

And he was delighted with the standard of the livedstock.

“The quality keeps getting better and better,” he said.

“Breeders nowadays have to get better to sell and show animals.”

Show champion this year was a home-bred Limousin bull, from Ian Nimmo at Bogside, Carluke. Mariscot Javelin had been reserve champion at Lesmahagow, and had picked up a second at the Highland.

Dairy interbreed winner was a Holstein from Colin Laird at Blyth Bridge, and top sheep was a Suffolk gimmer from Iain and Judith Barbour from Annan.

Top Clydesdale was Dillars Jura, a yearling colt from Robert Hamilton at Lesmahagow being shown by Jack Eaglesham, who at almost 88 has been with Robert Hamilton for 40 years.

Horse champion was a seven-year-old pony Fuinseoig Boy, ridden by James Whiteford from Haddington, and top dog was Border terrier Lucy, AKA Earthwise Kentucky Woman owned by Faye Hamilton of Corehouse Farm.