Scone Palace Parklands recently played host to a magnificent spectacle, transporting visitors back in time to an era defined by agricultural ingenuity and community spirit. The eagerly anticipated Farming Yesteryear 2025 event, held on a bright Sunday, celebrated the rich heritage of farming through an impressive display of vintage machinery and engaging live demonstrations.
Organised by the dedicated Scottish Vintage Tractor and Engine Club (SVTEC), the event, held with the gracious permission of The Earl of Mansfield, meticulously curated a collection that truly brought Scotland’s rural past to life. Hundreds of immaculately preserved vintage tractors lined the expansive parklands, their gleaming chrome and vibrant paintwork reflecting decades of hard work and progress. Each machine, from the early iron beasts that first mechanised the fields to the more advanced models that revolutionised post-war agriculture, told its own silent story of innovation and endurance.
Beyond the impressive array of tractors, the event boasted a diverse collection of historical vehicles and engines. Enthusiasts marvelled at powerful stationary engines, their rhythmic hum a reminder of the industrial backbone of farming. Vintage motorbikes and classic bicycles, representing earlier modes of rural transport, offered a charming glimpse into the everyday lives of past generations. Adding a touch of grand engineering, majestic steam engines proudly showcased their formidable power and intricate design, drawing admiring crowds with their sheer scale and historical significance. The photographic record from the day, captured by Ethan Williams, highlighted everything from unique Ford Capri and Opel Manta cars to even American police and military vehicles, underscoring the broad appeal and comprehensive nature of the exhibition.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect for many attendees, particularly families, were the dynamic working demonstrations. These were not mere static displays; visitors were treated to authentic, live performances of traditional farming techniques that have long since been replaced by modern technology. Witnessing the rhythmic turn of a a vintage plough tilling the soil, the satisfying clatter of a combining machine separating grain from stalk, and the intricate process of threshing, provided a rare and invaluable insight into the methods that once defined agricultural productivity across Perthshire. These demonstrations offered a tangible connection to history, allowing spectators to appreciate the sheer effort and skill involved in pre-modern farming.
The atmosphere throughout Scone Palace Parklands was one of joyous nostalgia and shared discovery. Families strolled through the exhibits, children’s eyes wide with wonder at machines far removed from their digital age, while older generations reminisced about days gone by. Queues at the various food vans indicated a vibrant community gathering, underlining the event’s success as both an educational platform and a social occasion for local enthusiasts and visitors alike.
The SVTEC’s meticulous planning and passion for preserving Scotland’s agricultural legacy shone through every detail of Farming Yesteryear 2025. By presenting these historical artifacts in such an engaging and interactive manner, the club ensured that the stories of Perthshire’s farming pioneers and the machinery they relied upon continue to inspire and inform new generations. This annual celebration at Scone Palace stands as a testament to the enduring importance of our agricultural roots and the dedication required to keep that history alive.
Such events serve as a vital reminder of how much our local landscape and economy have been shaped by agricultural practices. For residents of Perth and Kinross, Farming Yesteryear offers more than just entertainment; it provides a deeper understanding of the land, the community, and the timeless cycles that have sustained us through the centuries. It fosters a connection to the ingenuity and resilience of those who worked the land, ensuring their legacy is appreciated for many years to come.
Organised by the dedicated Scottish Vintage Tractor and Engine Club (SVTEC), the event, held with the gracious permission of The Earl of Mansfield, meticulously curated a collection that truly brought Scotland’s rural past to life. Hundreds of immaculately preserved vintage tractors lined the expansive parklands, their gleaming chrome and vibrant paintwork reflecting decades of hard work and progress. Each machine, from the early iron beasts that first mechanised the fields to the more advanced models that revolutionised post-war agriculture, told its own silent story of innovation and endurance.
Beyond the impressive array of tractors, the event boasted a diverse collection of historical vehicles and engines. Enthusiasts marvelled at powerful stationary engines, their rhythmic hum a reminder of the industrial backbone of farming. Vintage motorbikes and classic bicycles, representing earlier modes of rural transport, offered a charming glimpse into the everyday lives of past generations. Adding a touch of grand engineering, majestic steam engines proudly showcased their formidable power and intricate design, drawing admiring crowds with their sheer scale and historical significance. The photographic record from the day, captured by Ethan Williams, highlighted everything from unique Ford Capri and Opel Manta cars to even American police and military vehicles, underscoring the broad appeal and comprehensive nature of the exhibition.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect for many attendees, particularly families, were the dynamic working demonstrations. These were not mere static displays; visitors were treated to authentic, live performances of traditional farming techniques that have long since been replaced by modern technology. Witnessing the rhythmic turn of a a vintage plough tilling the soil, the satisfying clatter of a combining machine separating grain from stalk, and the intricate process of threshing, provided a rare and invaluable insight into the methods that once defined agricultural productivity across Perthshire. These demonstrations offered a tangible connection to history, allowing spectators to appreciate the sheer effort and skill involved in pre-modern farming.
The atmosphere throughout Scone Palace Parklands was one of joyous nostalgia and shared discovery. Families strolled through the exhibits, children’s eyes wide with wonder at machines far removed from their digital age, while older generations reminisced about days gone by. Queues at the various food vans indicated a vibrant community gathering, underlining the event’s success as both an educational platform and a social occasion for local enthusiasts and visitors alike.
The SVTEC’s meticulous planning and passion for preserving Scotland’s agricultural legacy shone through every detail of Farming Yesteryear 2025. By presenting these historical artifacts in such an engaging and interactive manner, the club ensured that the stories of Perthshire’s farming pioneers and the machinery they relied upon continue to inspire and inform new generations. This annual celebration at Scone Palace stands as a testament to the enduring importance of our agricultural roots and the dedication required to keep that history alive.
Such events serve as a vital reminder of how much our local landscape and economy have been shaped by agricultural practices. For residents of Perth and Kinross, Farming Yesteryear offers more than just entertainment; it provides a deeper understanding of the land, the community, and the timeless cycles that have sustained us through the centuries. It fosters a connection to the ingenuity and resilience of those who worked the land, ensuring their legacy is appreciated for many years to come.