07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Neilston Agricultural Show hosts 200th event
The event, which launched with the traditional parade through the village, marked two centuries of farming life in the East Renfrewshire area.
Hundreds of people descended on Holehouse at the weekend as the 200th Neilston Agricultural Show took place.
The event, which launched with the traditional parade through the village, marked two centuries of farming life in the East Renfrewshire area.
And it did not disappoint with competitions across cattle, sheep and Clydesdale horses taking centre stage alongside popular attractions including the dog show, return of the Shetland pony classes and favourites such as the sheep shearing display.
The ever-popular craft tent was also crammed full with some of the best home baking, jam and floral arrangements; with the crook making competition also hotly contested.
Other traditions remained a highlight for the 2025 year including the Tug o' War and the Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor schools relay races.
In the end, it was Ross Montgomerie, from Assloss Farm in Ayrshire, whose animal was named Champion of Champion in the main ring with Thomas Sloan's animal from The Coach House in Netherurd named as the worthy runner-up and Reserve Champion. Both men were showing cattle.
They were amongst dozens of prize winners who this year received special memorabilia and medals to mark the bicentenary event.
Jemma Reid, secretary of Neilston Show, told the Express: 'It was a very successful day and a credit to Neilston's 200 years hosting the agricultural show.
'The people of the village support it every year and it is only through their continued support that the show has managed to reach this milestone; that really matters to us on the committee.
'Every one of the directors is thrilled that we managed to make it to 200 years and feel privileged to be part of it.
'We have had 200th anniversary memorabilia to hand out to exhibitors and special prize money for some of the winners to mark the occasion and we hope it's been a memorable day out for everyone.'
Away from the competitions, there was a wealth of entertainment including a performance from Pop Idol winner and BBC Radio Scotland presenter Michelle McManus while Dangerous Steve, the motorbike stunt artist, wowed the audience with his show in the main arena.
Irvine's Big Wheel also returned to give visitors a bird's eye view of all the attractions.
President Jean Mackay Parker said: 'From that original event in 1825, it's amazing to realise 200 years have passed and our show is still going strong.
'Most of our competitions included something special this year to recognise this milestone.
'We were extremely proud to be host the Highland Cattle Society UK National Show for 2025, with a large turnout of iconic Highland Cattle from all over UK, in addition to local breeders.
'We could not run Neilston Show without the support of the local community and businesses. We are particularly indebted to the Crawford, Docherty, Murdoch and MacLeod families for the use of their fields for the main show, sheepdog trials, horse section and car parking.
'My thanks must also go to all of the society directors and many volunteers who willingly give up their time to make the show success each year, and to all our sponsors for their invaluable support.'
