Several thousand people are expected to attend Doune and Dunblane Show next Saturday.
It takes place at Archie Stirling’s farm at Keir Mains, near Dunblane.
There’s two new sponsors on board for the show this year – Briarlands Farm Park, and joinery manufacturing and construction company John McLeod Principal Contractors.
Company boss John McLeod told us preparations for the July 5 event are shaping up well.
“Everything’s looking good,” he said, adding: “We’ll be marking out the showground this Sunday and setting everything up from Wednesday.
“This is a show which seems to be on the up, which is really good news.”
Trade stand numbers are healthier than ever and there’s a bigger vintage vehicle section this year, he said.
Zwartbles will be competing for the Scottish national title in the sheep competitions.
There are 314 sheep entries in all, along with nearly 300 horses or ponies, and 18 goats.
At the time of writing there were 17 cattle entries but more are expected on the day.
Established in 1947, Doune and Dunblane Show usually attracts about 2,500 visitors.
It features top-quality livestock, traditional rural demonstrations and a vibrant equestrian section, with affiliated classes and championship qualifiers, including for Scone Palace.
Friday night fun
Show secretary Jayne Emery said: “The fun begins Friday night, with a lively speed shear competition.
“Saturday includes a gun dog display, our popular dog show and a performance by Doune Pipe Band.
“We’re also hosting the Scottish Zwartbles branch national show, and awarding two £500 prizes for the best sheep and cattle stockmen.
“With trade stands, craft stalls, delicious food, and family-friendly activities, it’s a great day out for all ages.”
Doune and Dunblane Show judges
Cattle
- Dairy – Willie Watson
- Native – Charlie McLean
- Continental – Charlie McLean
Sheep
- Beltex – George Whyte
- Blackface – Stuart McDougall
- Border Leciester – Katie Buchanan
- Commercial – George Whyte
- Any other breed, Continental – David Morrison
- Dutch Spotted – Laura Needham
- Kerryhills – David Morrison
- Shetland – Amanda Cass
- Suffolk – James Scott
- Texel – David Morrison
- Valais Blacknose – Geoffrey Gray
- Zwartble – Andrew Baillie
- Any other breed, native – James Scott
Other
- Goats – Lynda Shaw
- Umpire – Allan McArthur
Ticket prices
- Over 16s – £12
- Concessions – £10
- Under 16s – free
- Car park – free
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