There was plenty to see, do, eat and drink at this year's Grantown Show hailed as 'amazing' by the guest of honour.

Two stalwarts of the show were also recognised for their contribution to the farming showcase's success over many years by the Strathspey Farmers' Club.

Show president Scott Pirie was the living embodiment of the enthusiasm for the strath's agricultural show.

And although it was his final year at the helm, he hinted that he could be swayed to remain with a 'Wait and see'.

Summing up the proceedings, he said: "Entries overall were brilliant. Cattle exceeded what we had last year – as high as that was.

"We had over 115 entries of Blacksheep face. Grantown attracts Blacksheep face – mostly brought by local people who do not normally show but want to come to support their great little local show.

"The horses section, domestics, were all brilliant and the craft tent was even overflowing.

"We have been stowed out. There was not a single space available.

"People come here; they get to see cattle, sheep and fantastic trade stands. We have had some of the best machinery trade stands I have ever seen this year and I have been to a few shows."

Mr Pirie did have to deal with some headaches on the day but dealt with them all with a smile – as least as far as the Strathy could see.

That included a crowded show ring at the peak of the afternoon as the horse judging was behind schedule due to the number of entries.

In the end the grand parade went ahead with just the cattle because of fears that the livestock – which had already been on the move from early that day – could overheat.

Mr Pirie explained: "The large number of entries means that things take a little bit longer."

The guest of honour at the show was Highland councillor Glynis Sinclair, who is Provost of Inverness, who has shown successfully at The Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead and at the Horse of the Year show in recent years.

She said: "This year's show has been amazing and the numbers are certainly here. We have had fabulous weather which is always a big help."

A lifetime achievement award went to Mary Cowe, of Boat of Garten, for her dedication to the domestic section at the show.

In their citation, the Strathspey Farmers' Club described her as 'a tireless worker blessed with an abundance of enthusiasm in all she undertakes' and an 'inspiration to all around her'.

They said: "As a valued and respected member of the ladies committee of the club, her wealth of good ideas and her ability to canvas for entries is evident for all to see in the industrial marque where she is an attending member on Grantown Show days. Mary is also a great seller of raffle tickets to help raise funds for the SFC.

"Congratulations on receiving this well-earned award and it is hoped that the SFC will continue to have her invaluable support for many more years to come."

Gallery1

1 / 4

2 / 4

3 / 4

4 / 4

Billy Campbell was also recognised with his own lifetime achievement award too with organisers describing his record of service to the SFC as exemplary.

He was club president in 1990 and is an honorary vice president who attended the show for almost seven decades.

Show compere Eddie Gardiner, reading out the citation, said: "It is no exaggeration to say that the name Billy Campbell and Grantown Show are synonymous. In his quiet and unassuming manner, Billy is held in the highest esteem by everyone.

"Many people have benefitted from his wide knowledge and his well-informed advice."

Look out over the weekend for a online gallery of faces taken by the Strathy at Thursday's show.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.