Latest news with #Clydesdale
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire farm's tourism plan is blocked by East Ayrshire Council
Owners at Blackstone Clydesdales, based at Blackstone Farm, Rigg Road, Cumnock, previously lodged proposals with East Ayrshire Council for consideration. A family-run farm in Ayrshire has been blocked in a bid to enhance their offering to tourists by introducing a Shepherd's Hut and 'sitootery.' Owners at Blackstone Clydesdales, based at Blackstone Farm, Rigg Road, Cumnock, previously lodged proposals with East Ayrshire Council for consideration. The farm offers unique experiences centred around a select breeding herd of Clydesdale horses and Highland cattle. They were recognised with the Scottish Thistle Award for Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience in 2024 and the farm attracts visitors seeking authentic, hands-on interactions with Scotland's heavy horse heritage. As a result, to enhance the visitor experience and support sustainable tourism, owner John Duncan proposed the addition of a shepherd's hut and sitootery on-site. According to the application this accommodation section would provide guests with 'immersive stays', combining traditional Scottish hospitality with 'modern comforts.' However, council planners have rejected the proposal, citing concerns over flooding and 'no information' relating to biodiversity improvements. A supporting statement from the agents Stairhill Architecture Ltd said: 'The addition of a shepherd's hut will enhance the farm's tourism offerings, attracting more visitors and thereby supporting local employment and economic growth. 'Furthermore, the proposal is compatible with the existing uses and surrounding area in terms of the nature and scale of the activity and impacts of increased visitors. The shepherd's hut will be situated in a tranquil area of the farm, ensuring privacy and scenic views, thereby minimizing any adverse impacts on the local community and environment.' The application says that the business hopes to 'enhance' the visitor experience, 'increase revenue streams,' promote 'sustainable tourism' and provide 'overnight accommodation' with a fully equipped shepherd's hut providing a 'cozy retreat' for guests. Designs show the shepherd's hut with the sitootery also showing a raised viewing area, indoor seating and store. The supporting statement adds: 'The proposals will not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the growth of sustainable tourism in East Ayrshire. 'By offering unique accommodations and immersive farm activities, the business can attract a broader audience and increase its revenue potential. We seek approval for this development to continue providing exceptional experiences that celebrate Scotland's rich agricultural heritage.' Council papers said: 'In principle the development is acceptable but for one main element – lack of flooding information, and one minor element – lack of information on biodiversity enhancement. 'It is recognised that the proposal will help enhance the tourism offer of the area, and is unlikely to cause any unsustainable travel patterns in its own right.' However, the report adds: 'The proposal does not accord with the Development Plan and there are no material considerations that suggest the application be otherwise approved.'
Hamilton Spectator
31-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
When Clydesdales are the family business
RM OF YELLOWHEAD — Tucker Thevenot is making trouble. He grabs a hose and drags it around the corner. The boy comes back with a stick in his hands, and taunts his family with a 'sword fight.' Stay away from the centre of the yard, his father warns. A one-year-old Clydesdale horse is being sprayed with cold water. The horse kicks backwards and its hoof bangs the metal rig behind it, buzzing the air like a bell. The dad is keeping a close eye on the boy, warning about the dangers of horses while holding a stroller, in which a toddler girl is strapped tightly, letting out a short burst of tears. Meanwhile, Grandpa Blaine is being sprayed lightly with ricocheting water off the horse. When the Sun visited in July, it was a busy afternoon for the family at Boulder Bluff Clydesdales. The multi-generational horse breeders were preparing to travel to the Manitoba Threshermen's Reunion and Stampede. For the road trip that day, the mother, father, grandfather, uncle and neighbour were tasked with loading eight Clydesdale horses onto a semi-truck. The job proved difficult when a few horses, around 2,000 pounds each, decided they didn't want to walk up the ramp. The family also planned to bring additional horses in a separate trailer, adding up to roughly 10 in total. The afternoon on the farm provided a glimpse into the work of breeding, showing and selling heavy horses in the province. And it looked busy. Charity Thevenot told the Sun she was once a toddler watching her dad do exactly the same work. With her six-month-old girl Hallie resting on her arm, she organized the work for the afternoon. The plan for the trip was a week stay near Austin, a few days longer than usual to allow the kids to settle in better. On the business side, they would show their horses in a few events at the show. Life has been hectic with the arrival of the newest, six-month-old girl, Charity said. But work must be done. And getting to the Austin event is work — it's an opportunity to showcase their horses and attract potential buyers. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Edmonton Journal
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Poetry in the saddle: Alberta woman, horse to represent Canada in world horseback archery
Mounted on her stunning Clydesdale, Jewel, Hazel Carter—and her bow and arrows—are poetry in the saddle. Article content The Beaver Hill Lake country horse trainer and her black beauty are together one of three horseback archery pairs chosen to represent Canada at the International Horseback Archery Alliance competition in Tennessee this Sept. 17-21. Article content Article content 'Having this opportunity with Jewel as my Clydesdale is just an absolute dream come true,' Carter said. Article content Selected by the Canadian Federation of Mounted Archery, the pair will compete in Lewisburg, Tennessee, for the IHA World championships against horse archery teams from around the world on the tower, raid and hunt courses. Article content The 'tower' offers a single tower 45 metres down the 90-metre track, with a three-phase target at the archer's face level, and Carter will have the entire track to send arrows into it over 18 seconds with her choice of bare bow—Tatar-style as used in the Ottoman Empire—and arrows made with carbon fibre and turkey feathers. Article content Article content Career born during pandemic Article content At the height of the pandemic downtime, Carter chose horseback archery as a training project. Article content Article content 'I lived on the farm, so I still had my space. I still had my ability to go out and do some things out here, but it was just a curiosity that I kind of tapped into,' she said. Article content She's always had a fascination for medieval arts and reenactment, and horseback archery felt like a natural extension for her, so for her 18 th birthday, she gave herself a present. Article content One arrow shot off the back of a horse, and she was off. Article content In addition to horse training — skills she learned from her family, who raise paints and quarter horses—Hazel Carter's also a cosplayer and content creator. She performs at Renaissance faires and makes all her own cosplay materials, even leather armour for Jewel, and she has done some acting.
Scotsman
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Archive film of Scotland's past has surprising results – unique therapy for those with Alzheimer's and dementia
Carney Heritage Productions 'The past is still there': Aberdeenshire filmmaker's reminiscence therapy brings hope to families living with dementia and Alzheimer's Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This reminiscence film therapy is the brainchild of Dr Don Carney, a retired university lecturer with a passion and a talent for capturing on film the lives, stories and activities of 'ordinary' people in Scotland. From his unique archive of over 500 hours of footage, he has put together a number of short films – ranging from 10 minutes to over 45 minutes – which are helping those living with dementia connect with their past, and providing respite for those who care for them. The clips include nature, rural scenes and activities, Clydesdale horses, food, music and popular LPs from the 60s to the 80s – even the antics of their neighbour's ginger tom cat – with stories and images which find the places where their cherished past memories hide. 'There was one gentleman in Banffshire who used to work on farms,' Dr Carney recalls as an example. 'Seeing the Little Grey Ferguson tractor in action in our clip took him back to his life in agriculture and sparked conversations hitherto unknown and unheard by his wife who was his carer.' She said 'He became my loving husband again and that feeling was repeated each time we showed the clip up to two weeks before he died. Thanks for what you have done for our family'. Dr Don Carney Memories as therapy Dr Carney, an award-winning heritage film maker, and his wife Dot, used their own money to finance the project from their home in Aberdeenshire and spent three years working to produce the clips with involvement from carers, people with dementia and professionals in the field. 'I believe I can make a difference to my fellow human beings and society, this is not profit-orientated,' said Dr research showed there was nothing available digitally 24/7 for people with dementia and nothing tangible to access for those caring for them. Even when in Scotland in 2023 there was £16.5 million pounds spent on dementia research. Where is that money going and what benefits do people living with dementia get year on year from such sums Don asks' 'We have all this resource in our archive and we can do something good with it, and improve the health and wellbeing for people with these two progressive conditions,' he said. Dr Carney introduces each clip in his and friendly manner. The reminiscence clips play on any modern device and once downloaded, can be viewed countless times. They can even be sourced by mail order on a data stick to plug in and play. At the end of the film he returns to the screen to ask a simple question related to the clip, designed to spark discussion. Carney Heritage Productions See clips for yourself The current archive of films, feature a variety of topics of different lengths, all have trailers which can be viewed on the website along with carer support and training notes before committing to buy. At just £9 for a 10-minute reminiscence therapy film up to £25 for one over 45 minutes' long they offer a value for money non drug support tool and resource for private individuals. Companies, including care homes, can buy the full catalogue of 14 films for £690 to provide a resource for group therapy, that can be used year on year. Any money raised will help fund the project into the future, and enable him to delve back into the archives to produce more reminiscence therapy clips. Carney Heritage Productions Looking back to the past to bring dementia therapy into the present He started collecting memories on film whilst researching the 300+ year history of his family's farm. This led to a small business, Carney Heritage Productions, which still exists today. His Scottish heritage footage has been shown in countries around the world. 'We were getting feedback from people saying the heritage videos were taking people with dementia back to the past, and carers telling us that watching the films took their loved ones out of their dementia.' Not only were they engaged whilst watching the film, carers said it often led to extended periods of alertness, conversation and laughter. 'Once we knew what a profound effect it was having, both on those with dementia and in terms of providing some respite for carers, we started to put this resource together, totally customised for people with these two progressive conditions.' He added: 'The dementia films have diverse endorsements, and our work has even had a letter of support from The Palace.'
Scotsman
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Methane tractor, a Clydesdale called Yorkie and a world record smashed
Until next year... Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Some 212,000 people flooded through the gates at the Royal Highland Show this year to see more than 6,000 animals and taste the best of Scotland's food and drink in a celebration of farming. From prize-winning cattle to the latest models in agri tech, the event saw the best of the country's agriculture come together over four days, with early bird tickets already going on sale for next year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Some eye-grabbing champions of the weekend included global brand New Holland taking home a prize for its 100 per cent methane-powered tractor, which it claims to be a world first. A world-first was witnessed in the forestry arena at this year's show. Dan Wheelan, from Shropshire, set a world record climbing a 80ft pole in just 9 seconds, beating the previous record of 9.61. Another prize-winner included Elaine Ramsay, from Dumfries and Galloway-based Millisle Clydesdales, who took home the heavy horse champion for her Clydesdale, Yorkie. The Ramsay family celebrated their 60th anniversary of showing heavy horses at the event this year. Ms Ramsay's father, Hugh Ramsay, holds an MBE for services to the Clydesdale horse. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Elaine Ramsay carried on the family tradition that her father Hugh Ramsay started when he was competing at the Royal Highland Show 60 years ago. | Lisa Ferguson Her Royal Highness Princess Anne made her annual visit to the show on Friday where she met with primary school children taking part in activities and toured the grounds. A couple of farmers sleep as The Princess Royal tours the cattle stalls in the Highland Hall during a visit to the Royal Highland Show at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, Edinburgh. Picture date: Friday June 20, 2025. | Jane Barlow/PA Another royal touch at the show included the annual presentation of the Queen's Cup, a prestigious award of the show that was presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 to commemorate her presidency of the Royal Highland Show. This year, the cup, which rotates the livestock categories annually, was awarded to champion goat, Messrs Webster and Smith with Guilden Elm. It is the 15th time in 45 years the pair have won the award. The most sustainable farm of the year, an award hosted by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), went to Balcaskie Estate in Fife. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The estate is home to native breeds including Lincoln Red cattle, Tamworth pigs and a range of native sheep. Estate managers have regularly championed the animals, saying they are central to Balcaskie's low-input, sustainable farming system, and to the management of the wider landscape to help promote natural biodiversity. As well as celebrating agriculture in the country, the event marked a major social occasion, particularly for those working in the sector from all corners of the country. Over 56,000 pints were poured over the four days and some 7,400 people partied into the night on Friday and Saturday evening at the Royal Highland Hoolie, with a folk and country line-up including Elephant Sessions. David Tennant, head of show for RHASS, which runs the event, said: 'It has been wonderful to see generations from across the agricultural community come together to celebrate their great achievements, learnings, stories and make new memories, just as it has been to see visitors and families enjoy all that the Show has to offer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We were very honoured to have welcomed HRH Princess Anne to Friday's Show when we shared with her all of the great achievements from the Scottish agricultural industry. 'While the Show is renowned for its historic and traditional aspects, namely the livestock competitions and parades, over the years we have developed it so far beyond that, and every year we build and grow on the last. 'I'd like to thank everyone for playing their part, from our members, exhibitors and competitors to our staff and members of the public, for helping to make the 2025 Royal Highland Show a truly unforgettable event!'
