A Kinross-shire farmer made a strong showing at the Strathearn Vintage Ploughing Association’s (SVPA) annual ploughing match, but the top prize went to a familiar face from further afield. The competition, a popular event in the local agricultural calendar, saw Scott Alexander of Laurencekirk take home the overall championship. Alexander, a seasoned competitor known for his prowess in the field, once again demonstrated his skill and precision.
Held at East Fordun Farm near Auchterarder, the match was generously hosted by Scott Brown and his family. The event not only highlighted traditional farming practices but also underscored community spirit, with gate receipts totaling £500 donated to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, a cause close to the Brown family’s hearts. This heartwarming gesture added another layer of significance to the day’s proceedings. A Test of Skill and Precision
With ideal weather conditions following a dry spell, 74 ploughmen and women gathered to demonstrate their expertise. The competition was fierce, with each participant allocated a plot of land to showcase their “feering,” ploughing, and finishing techniques. Judges, some with decades of experience, meticulously evaluated every furrow, ensuring fairness and recognizing exceptional talent. The diverse range of equipment, from vintage and modern tractors to majestic horses, showcased the evolution of ploughing methods through time, offering a fascinating spectacle for both seasoned farmers and curious onlookers.
East Fordun Farm, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Strathearn countryside, provided an idyllic setting for the competition. The event served as a reminder of the vital role agriculture plays in the region and offered an opportunity to appreciate the hard work and dedication of local farmers. The enthusiastic turnout of spectators, contributing to a worthy cause while enjoying the friendly competition, highlighted the strong sense of community that permeates Perth and Kinross. The atmosphere was electric, with attendees exchanging stories, sharing laughter, and cheering on their favorites. Generational Participation
Among the competitors was a 15-year-old from St Andrews, demonstrating that the tradition of ploughing continues to attract younger generations. This young ploughman’s presence alongside veteran competitors, including a judge in his nineties, showcased the timeless appeal of this agricultural art form. Even the furthest traveled competitor, hailing from Campbeltown, emphasized the widespread interest in this skill across Scotland.
The SVPA plays an active role in the wider Scottish ploughing community. As a member of the Scottish Ploughing Championships organization, the SVPA contributes to the promotion and preservation of this essential agricultural skill. The national championships, scheduled for late October at Arbikie Highland Estate near Montrose, offer a platform for the country’s top ploughmen to compete, and local enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the opportunity to support their regional representatives on the national stage.
The results of the Strathearn match paint a picture of dedicated individuals committed to perfecting their craft. Across various categories, from horse-drawn ploughs to modern multi-furrow implements, competitors vied for top honors. While Scott Alexander claimed the overall victory, the competition was close. Neil Ramsay, a newcomer to the Strathearn match from Earlston in the Scottish Borders, earned the reserve overall prize, an impressive feat for a first-time participant. Detailed results from every class, including feering, ploughing, and finishing, are available on the SVPA website, allowing enthusiasts to relive the excitement of the competition and recognize the achievements of all participants. The SVPA, through this annual event, continues to celebrate the heritage and future of ploughing in Perthshire.
Held at East Fordun Farm near Auchterarder, the match was generously hosted by Scott Brown and his family. The event not only highlighted traditional farming practices but also underscored community spirit, with gate receipts totaling £500 donated to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, a cause close to the Brown family’s hearts. This heartwarming gesture added another layer of significance to the day’s proceedings. A Test of Skill and Precision
With ideal weather conditions following a dry spell, 74 ploughmen and women gathered to demonstrate their expertise. The competition was fierce, with each participant allocated a plot of land to showcase their “feering,” ploughing, and finishing techniques. Judges, some with decades of experience, meticulously evaluated every furrow, ensuring fairness and recognizing exceptional talent. The diverse range of equipment, from vintage and modern tractors to majestic horses, showcased the evolution of ploughing methods through time, offering a fascinating spectacle for both seasoned farmers and curious onlookers.
East Fordun Farm, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Strathearn countryside, provided an idyllic setting for the competition. The event served as a reminder of the vital role agriculture plays in the region and offered an opportunity to appreciate the hard work and dedication of local farmers. The enthusiastic turnout of spectators, contributing to a worthy cause while enjoying the friendly competition, highlighted the strong sense of community that permeates Perth and Kinross. The atmosphere was electric, with attendees exchanging stories, sharing laughter, and cheering on their favorites. Generational Participation
Among the competitors was a 15-year-old from St Andrews, demonstrating that the tradition of ploughing continues to attract younger generations. This young ploughman’s presence alongside veteran competitors, including a judge in his nineties, showcased the timeless appeal of this agricultural art form. Even the furthest traveled competitor, hailing from Campbeltown, emphasized the widespread interest in this skill across Scotland.
The SVPA plays an active role in the wider Scottish ploughing community. As a member of the Scottish Ploughing Championships organization, the SVPA contributes to the promotion and preservation of this essential agricultural skill. The national championships, scheduled for late October at Arbikie Highland Estate near Montrose, offer a platform for the country’s top ploughmen to compete, and local enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the opportunity to support their regional representatives on the national stage.
The results of the Strathearn match paint a picture of dedicated individuals committed to perfecting their craft. Across various categories, from horse-drawn ploughs to modern multi-furrow implements, competitors vied for top honors. While Scott Alexander claimed the overall victory, the competition was close. Neil Ramsay, a newcomer to the Strathearn match from Earlston in the Scottish Borders, earned the reserve overall prize, an impressive feat for a first-time participant. Detailed results from every class, including feering, ploughing, and finishing, are available on the SVPA website, allowing enthusiasts to relive the excitement of the competition and recognize the achievements of all participants. The SVPA, through this annual event, continues to celebrate the heritage and future of ploughing in Perthshire.