Although the wind and rain called for last-minute changes, it didn’t dampen spirits at this year’s Carloway Show yesterday (Wednesday August 5). 

Stalls were moved inside to offer shelter from the rain and wind, and the show still proved to be another successful one. Large crowds were drawn inside to visit the various exhibitions, agricultural competitions, and music and Highland dancing for entertainment.

The usual refreshment stations were set with the Community Hall set for tea’s, coffees and home baking, while soup and ice-cream were on offer in the Commun Eachdraidh. 

Similar to other years, the gates opened at 12:30pm, with the show scheduled to open at 1:15pm.  Before the show could get underway, speeches and the pipe band performance came first.

Chairman of the Carloway Agricultural Society, Ranald Fraser, welcomed show goers to the grounds, noting the last minute change in location for the opening speeches and thanking the wider community, as well as the Free Church for allowing organisers to host some of the events that were due to take place outside – including the piping competition and Highland Dancing display.

This year, Iain Macarthur from Borrowston, Carloway, officially opened the show. His speech reflected on his time helping with the show, and gave thanks to the community who have helped organise and set-up throughout the years.

Once the speeches were complete, the pipers returned to the stage and the show was underway. 

Some agricultural competitions had already been judged as they start earlier in the day. However, a favourite for young show goers took place later on, that being the Western Isles Young Crofters Ewe competition. Even in the wind and rain, it didn’t hold young crofters back from competing.

The horticultural and crafts competitions had the exhibition rooms packed, showcasing the talent within and further beyond the community.

With entries from all ages across the broad range of competitions, it again proved that the weather couldn’t dampen spirits on show day.