In Scotland ploughing matches started to be held in the late eighteenth century. By the first decade of the nineteenth century matches were held in a number of locations across Scotland. One such match was held in Easter Ross; it continues to be held today.
There are a number of accounts of the match in local and regional newspapers. They provide a good deal of detail about the match: when and where it was held; the state of the weather and the field; the standard of ploughing; the classes in the match; the prizewinners; and social activities associated with the match.
The following two accounts are of the match some eighty years apart:
“Easter Ross-ploughing match (from Inverness courier, 17 March 1853)
The Easter Ross ploughing match took place on the 10th inst, on the farm of Meikle Tarrel, and the competition was in every respect one of the finest and most successful that has been held for some years. The weather was admirable, and a good field and horses in high fetle combined to make the best energies of the men be put forth. The medal of the Highland Society gave an additional impetus to the contest; and it is only fair to the unsuccessful candidates to quote the remark of the judges-“that the whole ploughing was excellent, and the grooming of the horses better than at any previous exhibition which they had witnessed.”
After great trouble and attention the following awards were made by the judges, Messrs Mackenzie, Rhynie, and Chisholm, Bindal-
Ploughing
1st prize to Robert Campbell, servant to Mr Douglas, Arboll, 30s and the Highland Society’s medal.
2d to William Mackenzie, servant to do. Do, 15s
3d to John Munro, servant to Mr Murray of Geanies, 10s
4th to Benjamin Henderson, servant to Mr Gilchrist, Shandwick, 5s.
Grooming
1st prize, to Benjamin Henderson, servant to Mr Gilchrist, Shandwick, 30s
2d to John Macdonald, servant to Mr Sim, Balintraid, 15s
3d to John Taylor, servant to Mr Douglas, Aboll, 10s
4th to Donald Macandle, servant to Mr Murray, Lochslin, 5s
There were forty-three competitors on the field.
A very pleasant day-one of the delightful ones which we are sometimes blessed with the north country as a sort of oasis in our wretched springs-was concluded by a convivial and agreeable evening, in the course of which a full and hearty bumper was pledged to the good health and happiness of the ploughmen. It is no compliment to say that there is not a more decent and respectable body of servants in any district than the ploughmen of Easter Ross; and it is very gratifying to observe the cordial goodwill with which they meet each other at these gatherings.”
“Easter Ross ploughing match (North star and framers’ chronicle, 17 February 1934)
Annual competition at Bayfield
The annual ploughing match for the Easter Ross district took place on Saturday at Bayfield, Nigg, the property of Mr Wemyss Budge. For the greater part of the day the weather was highly favourable, and no better field could be desired for the execution of high-class ploughing.
There was an entry of thirty-ploughs-fifteen of these being high-cutters, and the remaining fifteen of the chilled variety. The field during the day was visited by a number of people interested in the work and who watched the process of theur favourite competitor.
The judging of horses, harness and ploughing were in the capable hands of Mr K. Macleaan, manager, Newmore, and Mr Robertson, manager, Dunrobin Home Farm, whose adjudication gave the utmost satisfaction. The promoting Association is managed by a body of capable gentlemen who have Mr Geo, Douglas, Nigg Farm, as president; Mr Joseph Budge, vice-president; Mr Wemyss Budge, treasurer, and Mr David Johnston, Broomton, as secretary. The grieves of the various farms within the area act as Committee of Management.
It was early seen that redoubtable craftsman, R. Gunn, Burgage Farm, Tain, would repeat his former triumphs. He was repeatedly taken leading prizes at various competitions in Easter Ross. He was closely followed by W. Sutherland, Milton. It took expert knowledge to know where the difference lay.
Donald Mackenzie, Nigg farm, has reason to be proud of his accomplishments. He won the Association silver cup for most points in ploughing and harness, the Highland Society’s medal for the best rig (local) and K. Mackenzie, Evanton, medal for the best ploughed rig in the field.
At the close of the competition, Mrs Joseph Budge, Easter Rarichie, handed out the prizes, for which she was thanked by Mr D. Johnston, and the judges were thanked by Mr Joseph Budge.
The following was the prize list:-
Open high cutters-1. R. Gunn, Tain; 2. W. Sutherland, Milton; 3. Jas Sutherland, Kincraig; 4. Robt Sutherland, Morangie; 5. G. Robertson, Aldie; 6. J. Calder, Hilton; 7. A. Fraser, Polnicol; 8. J. Shearer, Polnicol; 9. D. Munro, Cadboll; 10. A. Robertson, Culnaha; 11. D. Gunn, Balaldie; 12. M. Mackenzie, Clay of Allan, Feering, finish, and straightest rig-R. Gunn, Tain.
Local high cutters-1. D. Robertson, Bayfield; 2. A. Ross. Broomton; 3. R. Macleod, W. Rarichie, Feering, D. Robertson; finish and straightest rig, A. Ross.
Ransomes-1. John Beattie, Cullisse; 2. David Sinclair, Ankerville; 3. Don Ross, Wester Rarichie; 4. Alex beattie, Cullisse; 5. Hugh Fraser, Pitcalzean. Feering, John Beattie; finish and straightest rig, D. Sinclair.
Sellars-1. D. Mackenzie, Nigg; 2. John Mackimmie, Pitcalzean; 3. Chas Ross, Nigg; 4. Alex Munro, Wester rarichie; 5. Andrew Fraser, castlecraig; 6. Wm Macdonald, easter Rarichie; 7. Hugh Robertson, Pitcalzean; 8. Chas Ross, Lodge, Nigg; 9. Alex Ross. Nigg; 10. Sydney Munro, W. Rarichie. Feering, John Mackimmie; finish and straightest rig, Don. Mackenzie.
Silver cup presented by the Association for most points in ploughing and harness-Don Mackenzie, Nigg; Highland Society Medal for best ploughed rig (local)-D. Mackenzie; best ploughed rig with chill cplough (medal by Mr K. Mackenzie, Evanton)-Don Mackenzie; best ploughed rig on field-Don Mackenzie.
Best matched pair-A. Fraser, castlecraig; best pair geldings-A. Fraser; best pair mares and also youngest pair-A. Ross, Nigg; decorations and best turnout-J. Beattie, Cullisse; best cleaned steel-H. Robertson, Pitcalzean.
Best feering (local)-J. Mackimmie; best finish (local)-D. Sinclair.
Longest service-A. Ross, Broomton; oldest ploughman-A. Fraser, Polnicol; youngest-R. Sutherland, Morangie,
Harness-peak collars-1. H. Robertson, Pitcalzean; 2. David Robertson, Bayfield; 3. John Beattie, Culleisse; low collars-1. Alex Ross, Broomton; 2. Alex Beattie, Cullisse; special-A. Ross, Broomton.”
