Biggar YFC pulled a double victory in the national tug of war competition over Super Saturday weekend, injecting some much-needed enthusiasm back into the Young Farmers calendar.

Ingliston showground was buzzing following the hotly anticipated return of Scotland’s Young Farmers, who gathered to compete in a range of national finals on Saturday, July 24.

Almost 300 SAYFC members made the trip to the capital, with many coming together for the first time since the pandemic began back in spring 2020 - making the event all the more memorable, reuniting clubs and friends from across the country.

Biggar YFC swept the board in the hotly-contested tug of war competition, the first time both ladies and men’s teams have lifted the title at the same event. Even without the usual crowds, which have become a regular feature at the Royal Highland Show, the atmosphere was electric, as SAYFC members cheered all the competing teams on to victory.

With the Scottish Tug of War Association umpiring the event once again, Callander YFC ladies and gents teams took home second place with Carluke YFC taking third place in the ladies tug of war and Strathearn JAC picking up third in the gents section.

It wasn’t just in the tug of war ring where members showcased their sporting prowess, Ayrshire A and B teams took home first and second prizes in the volleyball competitions, with Clyde and Central B team picking up third place.

Fife and Kinross battled their way to top of the leader board in the Obstacle Course district teams competition, with runner-up prize being won by Angus Tayside and Perthshire coming in third.

Super Saturday also saw the announcement of the five Young Farmer of the Year finalists which include: James Hamilton and Sarah Whitelaw of Avondale YFC; Daniel Skinner of Garioch JAC; Craig Bell of Kinross JAC and Gregor Bousie of Bell Baxter ADS.

SAYFC members’ creative skills were put to the test over the weekend with over 50 entries submitted across the senior and junior sections. In the national arts and craft competition, juniors were asked to create their displays and articles around the theme ‘Saving the Planet’ with exhibits comprising: something new from something old (any craft); reusable shopping bag; floral display; a further article; appearance, and display. First place in the junior section was awarded to Kinross JAC, with Biggar YFC coming in second and third place awarded to Reston JAC.

The annual Senior section saw competitors following the theme of ‘Scotland’s Larder’ with articles to include: a promotional poster; chopping board; apron (sewn); food illusion cake; flower arrangement; further article; appearance and display. First place in the seniors competition was awarded to Crossroads YFC with the runner-up being given to Carluke YFC. Vale of Alford YFC took third place.

In the junior photography section, first place was awarded to Strathearn JAC’s Jessie McDougall, with runner-up and third place given to Hazel Parlett of Carluke YFC and Lauren Fallows of New Cumnock YFC, respectively.

Kinross JAC’s Emma Cheape demonstrated her excellent photography skills in the senior section winning the two tops spots with her submissions, with Jill Strang of East Kilbride JFC picking up third place.

SAYFC’s National Chair, Katie Burns, shared her enthusiasm following the weekend’s busy event schedule: “We have all had a brilliant day at Ingliston and it’s been refreshing to see young farmers in action physically, competing in the events which they train so hard for. Our member’s enthusiasm and passion brought to Super Saturday was amazing to see – making everyone involved at national, very excited for the rest of the year.

“None of our regional rally days, or the national final this weekend, would have been possible without the support of NFU Mutual Charitable Trust – who have been so kind in assisting us to get activities up and running again to provide the best opportunities for Scotland’s rural youth,” she concluded.