Health and wellbeing marquee among the attractions as Latheron Show aims to broaden audience
A health and wellbeing marquee and a designated area for families are among the new attractions at this year’s Latheron Show.
It will be the 99th show held by Latheron Agricultural Society and organisers are seeking to broaden their audience by encouraging sustainability, inclusion, diversity and accessibility while staying true to the event’s rural and agricultural roots.
Show day is Saturday, July 13, and the venue is again West Clyth Farm.
Last year’s event was reckoned to be the biggest and best yet, and members of the show committee are aiming to build on that by reinstating some old favourites – including a poultry show, a Highland dancing competition and tug of war – while introducing a range of fresh features. The show also has a redesigned logo.
Show secretary Joanne Smith said: “We looked at last year’s show and highlighted areas of improvement such as providing a designated area for families which includes baby-change and breastfeeding space.
“We reviewed our parking with focus on accessibility for those with mobility issues and saw an opportunity to support the campaigns to improve mental health and wellbeing in rural areas.”
Support was secured from the Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Halsary Fund (from ScottishPower Renewables’ Halsary wind farm) and the Lybster and Tannach Fund.
The family marquee will have a farm-themed soft play area with ball pool, sandpit, bouncy hoppers, vehicle play space with mat, games area and arts and craft tables, as well as fun activities such as Amanda Coghill doing glitter tattoos and face-painting with Mrs Bubbles.
There will be a seated “chill space” for parents where they can enjoy home baking and a cup of tea,
Also present will be the Royal Highland Education Trust, a charity dedicated to bringing farming and the working countryside to life, using fun, interactive and educational activities. It will have a lambing simulator and will take show-goers on a hands-on journey of food with seeds and grains, as well as sharing knowledge about wool production and processing.
“The health and wellbeing marquee is a new concept to bring together industry experts, local businesses, local charities and volunteers that will be offering up advice, support, interactive demonstrations and resources to highlight the mental health challenges faced in the agricultural sector and beyond,” Latheron Agricultural Society president Raymond Gunn explained.
“We will be hosting four guest speakers bringing a wealth of experience to educate and demonstrate the importance of looking after ourselves, our mental health, our physical health and future planning.”
A full timetable will be available on Latheron Show’s social media page.
The health and wellbeing experts are Katrina Sutherland, from The Country Spa, who will give a Healing Hands demonstration, talk about caring for cancer patients and give an insight into skincare; Fiona Mackintosh, More than Motivation founder, discussing stress management, mindfulness, breathing techniques and journaling; local crofter Sally Crowe, who will look at setting business goals and hold an interactive discussion on succession and emergency planning; and Lisa Valentine-McLelland, of LVM Body Alignment and Movement Therapy, who will look at energy systems of the body and how they support wellbeing, as well as talking about body alignment and posture correction for pain and mobility management.
Groups taking part include North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre, Encompass Caithness, North Highland Women’s Wellbeing Hub, Caithness Family Support Group, Alzheimer Scotland, NHS Highland and Caithness Mental Health Support Group.
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Main ring entertainment will be provided by Mark Wylie with his Drakes of Hazard stunt team – a group of Indian Runner ducks tackling an assault course guided by working collies.
The Vikki Mackay School of Dance will be present as the Highland dancing competition returns. The poultry and rabbit shows are back too, with good entries, and there will be a new pet show.
Forss Young Farmers will be there with some fundraising activities, while Mr and Mrs Bubbles are back with walk-around entertainment.
There will be the usual livestock, equine and horse sports competitions, vintage tractor judging and display, floral and home industries competitions, outdoor stalls and a large craft and local produce marquee. Activities for youngsters include a bouncy castle, Nerf gun wall and kids’ sports.
Ms Smith added: “We hope our 99th show will be the best yet. The committee and volunteers have worked hard and we hope that you come along to enjoy all of the many organised activities on show day.”
