PICTURES: Community Trust chair hails ‘fabulous’ turnout for second annual Highland Gathering at Corriegarth Estate
A “fabulous” crowd of over 700 people descended upon the hillside farming estate of Corriegarth for its second annual Highland Gathering.
Organisers deemed the event a “great success”, with a wide range of activities for all ages including Highland dancing and some local talent putting their skills to the test.
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Visitors were treated to displays of falconry, working sheepdogs and gundogs, cookery demonstrations, ferret racing and vintage vehicles.
The dog show was extremely popular too, with over £300 raised for Munlochy Animal Aid.
As well as Munlochy Animal Aid, there were a number of other charities involved on the day, including Cairngorm Mountain Rescue, RNLI and the local Scottish Fire and Rescue team.
A silent auction raised over £500 for RSABI, who do vital work in supporting people involved in Scottish Agriculture in times of need, offering emotional, practical and financial assistance.
Funds were raised for various community groups, including Stratherrick Clay Target Club, the local lunch club and the parent council of the local primary.
As part of the event programme, prizes were awarded for a range of competitions.
The miniature garden competition (for under-16s) was won by Sophia Barclay, with Mhairi Porteous finishing a close second.
In the homebaking category, Isle Tucker took first in the under-16 category, with Magnus Tucker named as runner-up.
For the over-16s, Henry Fraser took the spoils, pushed to the wire by Eileen Martin.
The under-12s award for “wonkiest veg” also went to Barclay, with Megan Junior in close quarters, while the “decorate a veg” prize was awarded to Amber Barry. Reid Cormack finished second.
A Hill Race was fiercely contested and was won jointly by brothers Christian and Harry Mackay.
Catriona Fraser, chairwoman of Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust, said: “It was great to see such a fabulous turn out from our local community and also further afield.
“It is so important that the trust funds events such as this to foster good community relations.
“The trust supports local not-for-profit groups and charitable organisations by providing a grant scheme for projects that bring a variety of community benefit to the area, as directed by our funders.
“The trust also receives community benefit from green energy schemes in the area such as windfarms and hydroelectricity, and this funding provides vital support, and without this, the event would not have been possible.”
“The event was also supported by a number of local businesses. After months of planning and a huge amount of work behind the scenes it was great to see it all come together and everyone enjoying themselves.
“Thank you to all the local businesses for supporting the event, all of our fantastic volunteers, and of course, Henry and Molly Fraser of Corriegarth, for giving us the use of their fields.
“A great time was had by all, and watch this space for next year’s event!”
