The Coll Show

The 77th Annual Horticultural and Agricultural Show took place on Friday August 7th at Coll Village Hall. The day began fair and spectators were able to linger and enjoy the first event of the day: the judging of the sheep classes, this year sponsored by the RSPB. Seven farms entered stock and this year trophies were won by Mike and Anna Taylor (Lonban), Donald MacFarlane, (Sorasdal) and Allan brodie, (Ballard).

By mid-afternoon things were in full swing with cakes and teas being organised by Pam Garnett and Elaine Barrie and a hamburger barbecue being run by Alison Fraser, as well as many other assorted sideshows and activities.

The young Highland Dancers, taught by Chrissie MacKinnon with assistance from Fay Anderson, gave a particularly polished display and were lucky enough to complete their routines before the rain began to fall in earnest.

The pet classes were again judged by Peter and Diana McDonnell with Skinners 'Simply the Best' award going to Barnaby the horse, entered by Shona MacKinnon. Anna Taylor's collie dog 'Billy was presented with the award for the best dog in the show.

There were seven keen participants in the demanding cross country run from Cliad. Sixteen year old Derek Griffiths led the way over the rough hill ground, followed by Lauchie Neil Bristol in second place.

The presentation of cups and trophies took place at 5.00pm in the Village Hall. Chairman, Mr Peter Smalley, called upon Mr Alex McLennan to present the awards. Alex, always the keen gardener, had won three of the trophies outright: The Horticulture Cup, the Neil McKay Memorial Quaich and the Christina MacFadyen Rose Bowl and shares the Alastair Oliphant Rose Cup with Mrs Chrssie MacKinnon.

Judging the gardening entries for the Neil MacKay Memorial Quaich, Mr Hector MacKenzie of Dunbeg said that he looked at nine gardens located across the island, all of which were maintained to an extremely high standard, despite exposure to strong winds. The choice of winner was a close and difficult decision and Mr McLennan's garden at Kilbride was finally selected as it demonstrated competence in a wide range of horticultural challenges, including the growing of shrubs, vegetables, tomatoes and flowers and the maintenance of lawns and paths. In second place was the garden at Tigh na Mara and in third place, Tigh na Lochan.

The Coll Show Dance was, as usual, a great success. Music was provided by the Two Ronz Ceilidh Band and the star raffle prize - a brand new TV - was won by Mrs Susan Erskine.

COLL SHOW RESULTS 1998

Visiting Children's Trophy - Roisin Higgins
Coll Children's Trophy - Ruth MacKie
Challenge and Industrial Cup (most points) - Catriona Brodie
Challenge Cup (most firsts) - Catriona Brodie
Scones and Pancakes Cup - Chrissie MacKinnon
Handcraft Cup - D MacKay
Horticulture Cup - Alex McLennan
Christina MacFadyen Rosebowl - Alex MacLennan
Alastair Oliphant Rose Cup - Chrissie MacKinnon
Neil MacKay Memorial Cup - Alex MacLennan
Flora MacLennan Memorial Cup - Alex MacLennan and Catriona Brodie
Best Kept Pet Trophy - Barnaby, Shona MacKinnon
Mens Running Cup - Derek Griffiths
Ladies Running Cup - Alison McVey
Kenneth Cup - (Most Points Blackface) Mike and Anna Taylor, Lonban
Fiona Cup - Best Blackface Sheep in Show - Donald MacFarlane, Sorisdale
Same Tankard - Best Cross Bred Sheep - Allan Brodie, Ballard
Best Pure Breed - Angus Kennedy
£5 Best Blackface Ewe with Lamb at Foot - L MacLean Bristol