Boycott threats hang over Black Isle Show
RUMOURS that some local horse enthusiasts will boycott this year’s Black Isle Show have continued to circulate this week after the campaigners formally responded to a decision to drop the one-day equestrian event from the format.
The Save the Show campaigners posted a statement on their Reinstate the Horses at the Black Isle Show Facebook page on Monday saying: “The directors of the Black Isle Farmers’ Society have shattered the dreams of future generations in the Ross-shire horse world and should hang their heads in shame!”
A former secretary/organiser of the Black Isle Show has also voiced her dismay at the outcome, saying it will have a negative impact on the future of the annual agricultural event.
The society agreed in January to axe the all-day Wednesday light-legged horse show – which is held the day before the main Black Isle Show – after it made a five-figure loss last year.
A campaign group and Facebook page was set up in response and following an online petition and a packed public meeting in February, a vote was held among the society members last week in a bid to reverse the decision.
The vote, involving nearly 300 people at the society’s extraordinary general meeting, confirmed the original decision to cancel the Black Isle Horse Show.
Save the Show campaigners feel strongly that the biggest equestrian event in the north should be retained as part of the Black Isle Show, because holding it on a different day would lose the credibility of competing at county level.
The campaigners, led by Joeanna MacDonald and Gavin Kelt from Dingwall, posted a statement this week which said: “In response to the recent EGM results from the Black Isle Farmers’ Society, and listening to competitors and spectators over the past week, I think it is fair to say we are all very disappointed with the result.
“We feel the society has not fully understood the impact this will have on the show as a whole. All areas that the society based the decision on have been addressed by the horse committee and been shown to be able to run at a profit.
“I think the most devastating factor for the equestrian world is not to be acknowledged as part of the society’s “aims and objectives” thus not encompassing rural affairs. Well, where do we rent land to graze? Where do we buy our hay? Where does all our hard feed come from? Oh yes, that’s the farmer down the road ....
“Farming is having to diversify to make ends meet and guess what? There are even grants available to set up stables, trekking centres, liveries etc, showing the equestrian world is fully integrated in the rural community.”
The statement continued: “Perhaps the Black Isle Show directors should try to understand the need to diversify and encompass modern times and see the value and sustainability of horses.”
In a letter to the Ross-shire Journal, Lyn Forbes, a past secretary of the Black Isle Farmers’ Society who was in charge of organising the show, said: “The decision was taken despite a petition to Save the Show signed by over four times as many of their ‘customers’, exhibitors, spectators and volunteers.
“In my opinion this decision will not only impact negatively on the equine fraternity but also on the future of the Black Isle Show itself.”
She said that having taken this stance, the directors will need to justify their decision by demonstrating how they can reduce their costs prior to this year’s show.
“Nothing stays the same, but on this occasion it might be to the Black Isle Show’s detriment that they have taken this decision, as I suspect the horses, exhibitors, their supporters and volunteers will be missed, if not by the directors then by the paying public who support the show,” she said.
A number of people commented on the campaign Facebook page, saying they would not be attending the Black Isle Show again as result of the decision.
Louise Haynes Ross said: “They will notice another five-figure loss at the gates this year if we all turn our backs on them. They should be ashamed of the conduct they have shown.”
Jocelyn Danby said: “It is a huge loss to the equestrian community all over the north of Scotland, but unfortunately it is a reflection of the general attitude to horsey folk by the farming community. If we could all up sticks and move south and let them stew in their own juice they would realise, but sadly they will continue to benefit from the trade we provide while not embracing all aspects of equestrianism, and driving a wedge between the two communities. I say boycott the show.”
Ann McArthur said: “I have been attending Black Isle Show for more than 50 years. Will not go again. The committee should be ashamed of themselves.”
The society has said that it hopes the decision will be respected and it will now focus on planning this year’s Black Isle Show on August 4, with a preview evening on August 3.
