Salen Show welcomes a new champion

At 10am sharp the judging began in Salen Showfield. The day started with the young farmers, which was won by one of the youngest farmers in attendance, Fulton Ronald Jr of Fidden Farm. 

Across from the sheep pens lay the chicken shed, lined with hens ready to be judged. Kate MacRae flew highest to win the coveted top prize. 

In between the two lay the contest area, where the children’s teddy toss and dog shows took place. Man’s best friend was not to be distracted by the nearby sheep, and many owners flocked to show off their companions. 

Sam Yates won Best Puppy with his young Labrador Mara, Mark Cherry and Gilly took the prize for best working dog, and the overall champion was Angus Cheape with black Labrador Fitz. Good boy!

As lunch time rolled around, Tobermory High School Pipe Band gathered the crowds with an incredible performance, and then it was time for the hill race. 

The four kilometre course was a tough run on uneven ground, and was a close fought affair. Taking home the gold in the women’s event was Evie Kellett, with George Porter taking gold in the men’s category. In the U16 boys race, Murdo Morrison took first prize, with Megan Johnston took first for U16 girls. In the U12, winner in the boys’ race was Laurie Morrison, and in the girls’ race Emma Coutier.

Up at the hill at the top of the field, the horses and their riders showed off their teamwork. 

The in-hand and supreme horse winner was Abby MacKenzie, who also claimed the crown last week at the Bunessan Show. Taking the ridden and reserve title was Lily MacKinnon. 

In the cattle pen, the champion Highland went to Glengorm, best cow with calf at foot went to Eilidh MacKay, and Kerrie MacGillivray of Pennygown claimed the overall champion rosette, with her family at her side.

For the day’s final judging, young Fulton Ronald was back in the ring for the sheep judging. 

His father Fulton Ronald Senior was also on hand and the father and son duo both racked up the awards, ending up in the championship selection.

Just as the sheep were being led to the championship selection the inevitable happened; the heavens opened with a downpour.

Ultimately the experience of the Fulton Snr proved the decider, as he and his partner Lyndsay claimed the champion sheep rosette. 

With the day winding down and the rain not letting up, it was time to decide the champion of champions, and that prize was bestowed upon Kerrie MacGillivray and her Beef Shorthorn. She was overjoyed at her victory. 

Kerrie said: "I think to win on home soil is always such a sentimental feeling, one that I am lucky enough to cherish with both my Grandpa and my dad next to me.

"Being still fairly new into the Beef Shorthorns, to come away with not only cattle champion but supreme champion is something I’ll always be able to be proud of and I hope to continue to move forward and have many more successful days in the show ring."