The Scottish Ploughing Championships will celebrate 60 years later this month with a stellar line-up set to be on display.
The match will be held at Newmore Farm, Invergordon, by kind permission of the Jack family, on October 25 and 26.
Crowds will be treated to a wide range of categories with a variety of ploughs and tractors taking to the fields on the day. From the reliance of vintage, steadfast and trustworthy in operation to the wonder of modern technology, there will be something for everyone to marvel at.
But one thing that’s always sure to draw in a crowd is the use of horses. With word from the organisers that this year’s competitors are at a very ‘good level’, catching a glimpse of them majestically working in tandem with their ploughman is not to be missed.
The event will also feature some of the finest ploughers not just from Scotland, but from around the world.
Following his decision to come out of retirement for the 2023 championships, Andrew Mitchell Snr went on to represent Scotland at the World Ploughing Stage, alongside Brian Baxter, in Tartu, Estonia.
Andrew came second in grass and stubble and claimed reserve world champion at the 69th World Championship while Brian came home with an award for the best first-time reversible competitor. This year’s top ploughers will go forward to represent the country on the global front in Czechia.
The Scottish Championships also saw representatives attending the European Vintage Championships in Ratheniska, Ireland, in September.
The members representing Scotland were Colin Crawford, Linlithgow, Gordon Hepburn Jnr from Elgin, Dougie Stewart of New Deer, and George Black, Earlston. They performed admirably, returning to Scottish soil with three silver medals and one bronze medal.
Members of Ploughing Championships (Scotland) Ltd also send representatives to the Six Nations and Five Nations matches respectively.
This year, the Six Nations competition was hosted by Tayforth Ploughers, an affiliated group, who stepped in after the original host country withdrew, saving the event from potential cancellation.
Once again, the committee have worked tirelessly to organise the highlight event of the Scottish ploughing calendar, with visitors set to receive a warm Highland welcome at Invergordon. This year, the team behind the Scottish Ploughing Championship sees Derek MacIver leading the charge, following his move to chairperson in 2024, with Gordon C Beattie assisting as vice-chair.
Finding locations to host the match can be one of the most daunting tasks, and the team are always trying to look ahead with venue planning.
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A main objective of the Scottish Championships is to try to encourage young ploughers to come forward and take part and this is promoted throughout the affiliated clubs.
Trainee judges are also invited to work alongside more experienced judges to gain valuable insight on the role of a judge, testing their wits within a competition environment to improve their skills under pressure. Judge training days are also offered by the organisation throughout the year.
Over 160 competitors will vie for top honours in horse, vintage, modern, and classic categories during the two-day event, which will conclude with the crowning of this year’s Scottish Plougher.
Proceedings will begin at 9.30am on both the Friday and Saturday. In addition, there will be a variety of stands and activities to entertain throughout both days.
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