WATCH: ‘Something for all the family’ at Moy Country Fair as crowds return to the popular event near Inverness
The highly anticipated Moy Country Fair returned to Inverness today (Friday, August 2) and has already drawn crowds in from across the Highlands.
Dozens of people filled Moy Estate to watch a variety of demonstrations in the main arena, including gundog handling, birds of prey and Highland deer saddling.
Surrounding the arena were rows of tents packed with homemade crafts, beautiful tweed collectables and delicious food.
Chairman of the Moy Country Fair committee, James Campbell said: “It is a great family day out for everybody, not just in the local area, but people come from quite a long distance because they just love meeting friends here.
“I have been a part of it from the very beginning, my parents were involved and many of the committee have come down through the generations. It is something that we have all enjoyed to help people have a fun day out at this time of year.”
The fair also focused on the exceptional work of the RNLI as they sponsored the charity in aid of this year’s event.
The RNLI has celebrated its 200th anniversary throughout 2024, and had a strong presence at the Moy Country Fair with volunteers from a number of local lifeboat stations, including Invergordon, Loch Ness and Kessock, who came along to meet visitors.
Community manager for the RNLI, Frances Beveridge said: “We were 200 on March 4, and we have had lots of celebrations throughout the year.
“We want to continue to be here for another 200 years if we possibly can and that is only possible through the public supporting us by volunteering or giving us donations.
“We were so delighted for Moy Country Fair to choose us as their chosen charity this year.
“I have been coming to the fair since I was a little girl, so to be able to come here to help people and potentially save a life is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
A special lifejacket clinic to offer advice to the public from RNLI volunteers on how to maintain and safely check lifejackets before use was available to the public.
Visitors were also able to experience ‘float to live’ water safety demonstrations, pick up limited-edition RNLI souvenirs and meet the RNLI’s very own mascot, Stormy Stan.
As ever, Moy Country Fair also had an exciting lineup of activities, exhibitors and performers for visitors, young and old, to enjoy.
Ranging from the traditional main ring activities that included Highland dancing, fishing demonstrations, and the much-enjoyed terrier racing.
The country fair also saw Emma Bamford (32) and her four-legged friends from Foxhope, who won gold at their first-ever outing together at the world's biggest dog show.
Emma said: "I’ve come with my cross dalmatian and labrador to have a good time with some friends.
“I work for the head-keeper at Moy Estate and I quite like sporting events like this because it brings out all the local people in the area.”
There was also a popular range of field sports from clay pigeon and musket shooting to the fly-fishing challenge.
For younger field-sports enthusiasts, the Junior MacNab Challenge returned for the weekend Hosted by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the popular event invited children to participate in clay pigeon shooting, air rifle shooting and fly-fishing challenge.
Beyond the traditional events the fair is renowned for, Moy saw the return of axe-throwing and archery from A.C.E Target Sports and BMX stunts and tricks from Savage Skills.
The family-fun event will continue through till tomorrow (Saturday, August 3), with tickets costing £17 per adult when pre-booking online, or £20 per adult at the gate on the day. All children aged under 16-years-old can access it for free.
