President's delight at return of Grantown Show after two years
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The president of Strathspey Farmers' Club has spoken of his pride of being able to hold their first event since taking on the role.
Grantown Show will make a welcome return to Heathfield Park on Thursday August 11 with a big crowd expected for the first event of its kind since the lifting of Covid restrictions.
Show president Scott Pirie has had to wait over two years to preside over the event after shows in 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due to the pandemic.
With strong family connections to the show, Mr Pirie speaks proudly of the opportunity that this year finally brings.
He said: "I have been progressively involved for about eight years, but I have been president for that last two. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I have yet to enjoy the biggest day of the year while in the role.
"I remember going to the show when my father was president back in 2000 and I have gone along to the shows ever since as a member of the young farmers and as part of the committee.
"So to get to this stage to be president after all of those years – it is an honour for me."
The show is supported by a strong committee, but Mr Pirie concedes that the event could always benefit from some more volunteers.
He added: "We have a good committee who put in a lot of work behind the scenes but we could always use more volunteers on the day itself especially to help with the set up and post-show tidy up. So any offers of help are always very much appreciated."
The show, which is sponsored by Parkland Care Homes, has so far had over 150 entries for cattle, over 100 horses, 300 for sheep and over 400 in the domestic section.
Mr Pirie added: "Entries on the whole are as good as previous years and some are better. When we first started, we were worried that numbers weren't coming in but we have been pleasantly surprised. The number of entries has given us a good bit of encouragement that the show will have plenty going on.
A full programme of events is planned for the afternoon. After judging has taken place, the livestock competitions will culminate in a grand parade of winners, followed by an afternoon of entertainment including a parade from Strathisla Pipe Band, a display of vintage vehicles and a pageant of decorated vehicles.
There will also be children’s races, terrier racing and a pets parade to add to the fun.
Along with the fun fair, a catalogue of light entertainment has been planned, complimented by a couple of new events.
Mr Pirie added: "We'll be keeping everyone entertained with a tractor pull, with two teams of farmers pulling tractors across the ring.
"We are also introducing a bulk bag sack race. It's like a sack race but in a tonne bag! We have seen the young farmers participating in this before and it's really good craic for all."
A range of trade and craft stands will also be on hand for visitors to the show.
In the evening, Elgin based band RhythmnReel will entertain show-goers with live music.
More information can be found on Grantown Show's Facebook page at facebook.com/GrantownShow.
