Bute Agricultural Society’s 2008 Ploughing Match took place on Saturday 23rd February at Barnauld  Farm  by the kind permission of Peter and Ann Martin.

Considering the appalling conditions that had been thrown at us over the last few weeks we had only three mainland entrants cancelling on the morning and three others for unforeseen reasons, reducing the initial entrants from 32 to an excellent turnout with 26 hardy ploughmen demonstrating their skills in the overall 7 classes.

The day ran smoothly and to time, thanks to the efficiency of both our judges, Peter Littleson from Glenbarr Nr Tarbert  and Tom Stroyan from Glen Luce Nr Newton Stewart giving our President Jim Reynolds plenty of time to announce the Class and Special Prize winners;  Trophies and prizes were presented by Mrs. Ann Martin followed by the raffle.

To conclude the day, Vice President Mr. Robert Currie thanked Peter and Ann Martin for the use of Barnauld and all competitors for making the event possible considering the horrendous conditions to date, we were lucky to have had a Ploughing Match at all!   He continued “On behalf of the Society I would like to thank all our Sponsors and to those who contributed to the raffle and finally a sincere thank you to both our Judges who had as difficult a time as our entrants negotiating the field to select the winners.   We must congratulate Jim McKechnie for his outstanding performance over the day, taking overall Best Lot Championship and R.H.S. Medal.”

The Society’s President Mr. Jim Reynolds made a presentation to Peter and Ann Martin in appreciation of their hosting of the event at Barnauld Farm.

The overall Champion and R.H.A.S.S Medal winner was J McKechnie, Larkhall

 Trophy winners are:-

McMillan Memorial Cup for best lot under 10” – D Anderson, Hurlford

McFie Cup for best lot over 10” – J McKechnie, Larkhall

John McMillan Memorial Cup for best lot by a juvenile – R McKechnie, Larkhall

 Archie Ferguson Memorial Cup for best lot in vintage classes – R Taylor, Rothesay

J.D. McMillan Cup for best lot by hired ploughman – J McKechnie, Larkhall

Hamilton Cup for best lot by MF Tractor – D Anderson, Hurlford

John Deere Trophy for best lot by a John Deere tractor – J W Somerville, Little Kilchattan

Class winners

Double furrow 8-10” – D. Anderson, Hurlford; A Robertson, Ballicurrie;  P Martin, Gallachan

Double furrow 10-12” – J McKechnie, Larkhall;  B Liddell, Dunallan;  A Brown Darvel

Three or more furrows over 12” – W Boag, Birgidale Butts;  A Murray, Inchmarnock

Reversible- J.W.Somerville, Little Kilchattan;  G Reynolds, Bruchag; C Bryson (Agricar) Dundonald

Juveniles – R McKechnie, Larkhall

GreyFerguson and Ferguson plough – R Taylor, Rothesay;  A Spiers Rothesay;  D Whitelaw, Langalchorad

Any Other Vintage Tractor – H Ferguson, East Whitburn;  R Robertson, Ballianlay

Major Special Prizes -

Best start          Vintage classes – J Cochran, Strathavon

                        Other classes –  J W Somerville, Little Kilchattan                     

Best finish         Vintage classes – R Robertson, Ballianlay

Other Classes –  J McKechnie, Larkhall

Straightest lot -  J McKechnie, Larkhall

Most level lot – J McKechnie, Larkhall

Best ins and outs – A Brown, Darvel

Best lot by BJAC member -  S Simpson, Ballycaul

Best lot by vintage tractor (Special Prize by James D Bilsland Ltd)

- R Taylor, Rothesay

Best lot in all other classes (Special Prize by James D Bilsland Ltd)

- J McKechnie, Larkhall

Best lot by Ford tractor – B Liddell, Dunallan

Best kept tractor –  J Johnson, Rothesay

Youngest Competitor –  R McKechnie, Larkhall

Most unfortunate ploughman – P Martin, Gallachan

Furthest travelled ploughman – R McKechnie, Larkhall

Oldest Competitor - W McMillan, Cranslagvourity