There was a real island welcome of sunshine and a spectacular glistening sea awaiting the many mainland visitors, who joined the islanders to view the island’s quality stock at the annual Tiree Show.

They were highly entertained by Mark Wyllie from Luss with his collie dogs and ducks, the Drakes of Hazard, in the main ring along with a large turnout of dogs and other pets for the Pet Show.

A regular buyer at the island’s cattle sales, Donald Patullo, Millhaugh, Methven had the task of judging in the cattle ring. His supreme cattle champion came from the pure-bred section, a British Blue in-calf heifer, Ruaig Dotti from Iain MacInnes, Ruaig. She went on to be crowned Champion of Champions.

Earlier, Mr Patullo had given the crossbred championship to Candy, an April 2010 Limousin cross heifer from Colin MacKinnon, Kilkenneth. She stood reserve as a calf in this section last year.

Reserve was the leader from the great show of spring sucked calves, a March born Limousin cross bullock calf from Archie John MacLean, Heylipol. After exhibiting some quality young calves, Donald MacKinnon, Vaul and Gilleasbuig Campbell, Garaphail then shared the Crofter’s Shield for most points in the Cattle Section.

Sheep judge Willie Smith, Balliemore, Lochgilphead had a great show of Prime lambs to judge before moving into the crossbred sheep ring. Champion pen from Pat Boyd, Drumaglea was with three Beltex cross lambs.

Crossbred sheep champion and reserve came from Ruaig respectively with a Texel cross gimmer and cross ewe. Winner of most points in the Sheep section and the Crofter’s Shield was Sandra Brown, Balevullin.

Billy Neilson from Taynuilt and Argyll’s QMS assessor had the task of judging in the purebred ring. Brothers Alasdair and Fraser MacLean, Heylipol were champion and reserve respectively with the supreme award going to Alasdair’s Beltex ewe lamb, Tiree Rich Spice and reserve was Fraser’s homebred Suffolk shearling ram.

In the Pony ring, Niall and Susan MacDonald selected Achnalarig Struan, a Highland gelding from Janis MacArthur as champion with reserve going to Janet Bowler’s Whiskey. Young pony exhibitors, Jenna MacArthur and Emily Armstrong had a great day out winning many rosettes.

A well known character, retired salesman Hughie MacLean had the task of judging the line up of tractors with the winner the Massey Ferguson 135 from Duncan Cameron, Scarinish. Congratulations and special thanks to all who joined the Saturday tractor run with a great display of decorated trailers.

Once again the Home Industries marquee had tables laden with baking, knitting, drawings, models and decorated welly boots. The judges were all impressed at the array of exhibits before them, from both locals and visitors. Congratulations to all cup winners.

Another regular visitor, retired SAC agricultural advisor Donald Harrison, had a great spread of garden produce before him in the Horticulture section, with Bill Campbell’s basket of mixed vegetables winning the best exhibit and John Fletcher, Balemartine most points. Donald and his wife Janice later presented the cups to the day’s winners.