Mid-Argyll Show

History 1965 - 1974

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Splendid parades of Ayrshire Cattle and Blackfaced Sheep was the outstanding feature of the 70th Annual Show in 1965 held at Kilmory. In fact this was the last time the show was held in what had become known as the Show Park, Kilmory, an area for Lochgilphead shows for over 60 years. This field is the one beside the new Adult Resource Centre, Whitegates, Lochgilphead. Mr James McArthur was President at this show and a good attendance was recorded. It would seem however from press reports of that time that the show was going through a period of transition and also being continually plagued by bad weather over the past few years. This bad weather meant a drop in attendance by the public and therefore less revenue for the Society. A happier event also took place at the 1965 show when the Highland Agricultural Society's Gold Medal was presented to Mr James Crawford, Turnalt Farm for 45 years continuous service on the same farm.

By 1967 the show had returned to Kilmartin for the first time in 10 years and was actually held in good weather. The main prizewinners were:-

1. Ayrshire Cattle - Messrs J. & M. Barr, Clochkeil, Campbeltown.
2. Beef Cattle - Lieut. Commander Rankin, Killinochonoch.
3. Galloways - R. Malcolm, Poltalloch.
4. Sheep - N. McDonald, Barguillean, Taynuilt.
5. Flowers (most points) - Mrs Dixon, Kilbride.
6. Baking - Trophy went to Mrs Campbell, Badden.

The 1968 show was also held at Kilmartin when the President was Mr A. MacLeod Achnaba. The attendance was given as approximately 1000. Prizewinners were much the same as previous year. The Mid Argyll Pipe Band gave selections during the afternoon.

The last of the shows in the 60's, 1969 was again in Kilmartin and was held under blue skies and hot sunshine. During the show Mr K. Menzies was presented with a long service certificate. He had 46 years service with Lithgows at Ormsary following in his fathers footsteps as manager at Clachbreck. It was also very noticeable that the baking, floral and handicrafts section had increased greatly since even the beginning of the decade.

The 1970 show had a drop in entries in the cattle section because of the Governments Brucellosis eradication programme, but strono entries in sheep, ponies and home industries. The President was Mr David Dixon, Kilbride and the main trophy winners were:-

1. Cattle Championship - Donald McIntyre, Ri Cruin (Donald Bhan).
2. Sheep - H. Tyson, Achnacarron and A. F. Kenneth, Stronachullin.

Outstanding competitor in baking and home produce was Mrs Janet Begg, Luibs.

The show of 1971 had a new venue at Bridgend when the prize winners were:-

1. Ayrshire Cattle - R. Nisbet, Drimvore.
2. Beef Cattle - H. D. Smith, Balliemore.
3. Sheep - Sir W. Lithgow, Ormsary.

It was recorded that the Hon. President Mr. Logan Richmond, Torran, had died not long before the show at the age of 93, having farmed at Torran for over 70 years.

Sir W. Lithgow, Ormsary seems to have swept the boards at the 1974 show for both Highland and Beef Cattle. A new name appears as:-

1. Ayrshire Cattle Champion - A. McLean, Lepinstrath, Southend.
2. Sheep - A. Ronald & Son, Colinlongart.