Agricultural Show and its stars brighten grey day in Leverburgh

Emma Holmes Mackinnon

The South Harris Agricultural Show took place on Tuesday 29 July and was a roaring success! Even the sometimes-inclement weather could not dampen attendees’ spirits, and turnout was high.

Hector Lowe and SHAS Chair, Fiona Mackenzie, open the show.

Following the opening of the show by respected local veterinary surgeon, Hector Lowe, accompanied by some fabulous piping from the Lewis and Harris Youth Pipe Band, it was time for visitors to explore a wide variety of creatures (and tractors!) great and small: A fantastic range of entries were included in the livestock classes, from bottle lambs to bulls. Further entertainment was provided by dog agility, excellent performances by “the Sheep Show”, currently on tour across Britain, clowns, face painting, chainsaw Pete, and many more.

Mòd squad supergrannies Annie Macdonald and Chrissie Cumming cooking up a storm on the BBQ.

Emergency services vehicles and rides were popular with younger visitors, whilst the tractor rally was also a big hit, displaying an amazing range of new and vintage machinery and raising vital funds for the Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative (WICCI). Shoppers were spoiled for choice, with a wide range of baking, arts and crafts, Harris Tweed items, home fragrance, and books by local author Louisa Macdougall on offer. Information stalls relating to local, regional, and national organisations were also present, including the Bays of Harris Community Estate, WICCI, NFU, RNLI, and many more. No risk of going hungry either, with all tastes catered for by Lorna’s Larder, MOWI salmon truck, Crust Pizza, Isle of Harris Coffee, the show café, and others. Special mention to the Mòd Parents’ (and grannies!) Committee, who ran the BBQ again this year. Blistered fingers and sore feet were rewarded with over £1000 raised to support the SES choirs’ trip to the Royal National Mòd in October.

Cameron Morrison’s bumper crop resulted in a huge number of prizes.

The high standards of entries were continued inside, with some exceptional contributions from across the Isle of Harris in baking, art, fruit, and vegetables. It was great to see such a strong representation from the younger Hearaich, who took prizes across the categories, not only in the “youth” sections. The fun continued late into the night: the show dance, with music by Island Fling, had a full floor from start to finish!

“It was a fantastic day for the South Harris Agricultural Show, with a brilliant turnout despite the usual grey and drizzly Harris weather,” said Fiona Mackenzie, Show committee chair. “We've had really positive feedback from attendees, judges, and attraction hosts. For many, this show is a real highlight of the year — a chance for the whole community to come together. The success of the day is a real credit to our hardworking committee, who volunteer so much of their own time behind the scenes. It wouldn’t happen without them. We’d love to see even more people get involved next year. Of course, it goes without saying how thankful we are for the support we receive year on year from the community. We’re already looking forward to planning the 2026 show!”