PICTURES: Black Isle Show president set for 'perfect day' with gates open to thousands
Crowds of up to 25000 are expected to descend upon the showground at Muir of Ord today as this year's Black Isle Show opens its gates.
And Black Isle Farmers Society president Jock McKenzie believes the scene is set for a 'perfect day'.
Mr McKenzie said: "The weather is holding up fine, it's a beautiful day and we've had good numbers of entries this year. Yesterday the rain stayed off which was perfect for our preview evening.
"Numbers were good last night and so far this morning it's actually a perfect day for the stock exhibits, just nice and cool and not too hot for them. Hopefully we'll get a blink of sunshine through to get good numbers through the gates to enjoy the show."
Show president Jock McKenzie says the number of exhibitors in the sheep category are up this year, with over 1400 entries, while cattle numbers remain steady.
He added: "As president, I am super proud of the stock we produce in this local community and further afield to show their exhibits here, whether it be cattle, sheep, horses etc.
"We have a number of new, varying trade stands in with us from heavy plant, to lorries, tractors, renewable energies, insurance companies and car dealers. A real varied number of things to come and see.
"My thanks go out to all of our volunteers who give up countless hours to assist. Without them the show simply wouldn't happen without them. Be it an hour, or hundreds of hours, my thanks go to all of them."
An estimated 7000 attended last night's preview evening, which kicked off at 4.30pm with the show jumping final, before a parade of vintage tractors took centre stage.
A team from armed forces charity, the SSAFA, took home a prize of £1000 for their charity in the Tractor Push. Runners-up were Cops and Robbers, with Glen Urquhart Shinty Club in third place.
The day was rounded off by dog agility demonstrations from Ross-shire agility club, followed by an international stunt bike performance from Stannage Stunt performers.
Today's festivities are already under way with livestock judging now taking place.
Show events will include:
11am – The sheep show
Noon – Cattle interbreed & pairs competitions
1pm – Dog show (entries are taken at 12pm)
1pm – The sheep show
2pm – Children’s races
2.15pm – Parade of vintage tractors
2.30pm – International stunt performance
3pm – The sheep show
3.10pm – Judging of Champion of Champions
3.15pm – Grand annual parade of livestock
4.30pm – International stunt performance
9.30pm – Annual marquee dance (finish at 12.30am)
