VINTAGE PLOUGHING MATCH AND RALLY-

SATURDAY 29th SEPTEMBER AT MEIKLE KILMORY FARM

PROVIDENCE smiled on Bate Vintage Club’s annual ploughing match at Meikle Kllmory as, once again, the event was favoured by fine weather and good support with entries from 41 ploughmen, 23 from Bute and 18 from the mainland. A large number of spectators enjoyed the fine display of ploughing, carried out the old fashioned way - despite the ongoing worries of foot and mouth

The day’s big winner was David Veitch from Kinross, who took the day’s top prize, the William Somervill.Trophy for the best overall ploughman.But that wasn’t all - David also took home the prizes for best start, the best lot by a mainland competitor and the Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay Improvements Society Trophy for the best lot by a general purpose plough.

On completion of the judging, and following. A raffle organised by Club Secretary Robert McKirdy,  President Billy Crawford thanked competitors from near and far for their efforts on the day along with judges William McHarrie from Glenluce and William Cunningham from Darvel. Mary-Beth Robertson assisted by daughter Chloe, presented the prices.

Trophy Winners

The William Somerville Memorial Trophy for the best overall ploughman- David Veitch, Kinross.

The Hamilton Bros Trophy for best work by Grey Ferguson plus Ferguson Plough - Alastair Speirs, Rothesay

The Kingarth Hotel Cup for best work by a Trailing  Plough - David Kilpatrick, Mouswald

The Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay Improvements Society Trophy for best work by General Purpose plough - David Veitch, Kinross

The Dumfries Trophy for the best work by a Bute ploughman - Ronald Robertson, Ballianlay Schoolhouse

The Bute Tools Trophy for best Bute tractor - William McMillanjnr, Cranslagloan

Special Prizes

Best lot by a mainland exhibitor - David Veitch, Kinross

Best Start - David Veitch, Kinross

Best Finish - David Kilpatrick, Mouswald

Best lot by Bute competitor -Ronald Robertson, Ballianlay Schoolhouse; 2 Alex Robertson, Ballycurrie; 3 W. McMillan jnr,Cranslagloan.

Best horse in harness –G Robertson, Kilwinning

Class Results

Class 1 Horses

G Robertson, Kilwinning

Class 2 Trailing Plough

1^st D Kilpatrick, Mouswald; 2nd – R Copland, Ruthwell; 3^rd – J Duncan, Rothesay; 4^th I Crawford, Stuck

Class 3 General Purpose 10” and under

1^st  –D Veitch, Kinross; 2^nd – W McMillan, Cranslagloan; 3^rd T McMillan, Eskechraggan; 4^th T Hannah, Kirkfieldbank; 5^th A Meikle, Darvel; 6^th W Boag, Birgidale Butts; 7^th JM Somerville, Kilchattan Bay

 Class 3a General Purpose over 10”

1^st  –R Robertson, Ballianlay Schoolhouse; 2^nd – D Gilchrist, Linwood; 3^rd H Ferguson, East Whitburn

Class 4 High Cut

1^st –  A Robertson Ballycurrie; 2^nd D Anderson, Hurlford; 3^rd G McCormick, Appin; 4^th J Foley, Hamilton

Class 5 Single furrow plough

1^st – J Johnstone, Rothesay

Class 6 Grey Ferguson double furrow Ferguson plough

1^st  A Speirs, Rothesay; 2^nd I Livingstone, Acholter; 3^rd – W McMillan, Cranslagvourity; 4^th D McAlister, Nether Adroscadale

  Class 7 Juniors

1^st – R McKechnie, Larkhall; 2^nd – G Reynolds, Bruchag; 3^rd S Simpson, Ballicaul