Black Isle Show 2025 weathers the storm: All you need to know as big event begins

RESILIENT organisers of the biggest agricultural show in the north took Storm Floris in their stride, digging deep to ensure the show would go ahead today.

The Black Isle Show is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year, not just for farmers, crofters and agricultural businesses but also generations of locals who look forward to a family friendly day out.

It started this afternoon (Wednesday) at the Mannsfield Showground in Muir of Ord.

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The well-heralded storm which created chaos across much of Ross-shire and left thousands without electricity knocked the finely tuned logistical plan for six on Monday with set-up work essentially abandoned on health and safety grounds.

But show president Tom Henderson is today philosophical about the turn of events. He said: “There’s nothing we can do about the weather. The storm did set us back - we closed the site on Monday in the eye of the storm.

“But we have a fantastic team and everyone put in a big shift on Tuesday and today. Huge credit to the team - we are very lucky with the volunteers we have.”

He reflected that had the storm been a couple of days later, things would have been very different.

An earlier start today will, organisers hope, increase footfall and provide a boost for the wide variety of trade stands, as well as giving visitors plenty to do.

With a ridden Clydesdale demonstration and the prospect of world’s strongest brothers Tom and Luke Stoltman being deployed in the tractor push contest, there’s lots to look forward to.

Livestock entries are above average, something Tom puts down in part to rising confidence in the sector and prices “closer tp where they should be”.

He said of the Black Isle Show: “It’s a great shop window for livestock producers and businesses. The stands have everything from the very latest machinery to construction providers and feed merchants, amongst many others, and it’s a great place to do business.

“Visitors to the show will also often see something that catches their eye, think about it for a few days after and then make contact. So from that point of view, it’s a great shop window.”

Asked if he had a message to visitors - whether seasoned or first-timers - he said: “I’d encourage people to come and see for themselves. Our aim is always to have something new to see every year.

“I would encourage people to plan their day and use the schedule that we have published on our Facebook page. It’s a way to make sure you see what you want to see and get the most out of the experience.”

The preview opens today at 2pm and the main day runs tomorrow (Thursday) from 8am.

If you have stories or pictures from the show to share, email us at newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk

Wednesday

Main ring

• 2.30pm Show Jumping Final

• 6.00pm Vintage Tractor Parade

• 6.30pm “Give Fergie the Push” (Tractor pushing event)

• 7.30pm TBC

• 8.00pm Stannage Stunt Show

Around the showground on Wednesday

• Range of Trade Stands from 2pm – 9pm

• Flower Show 5pm – 9pm

• Sheep Shearing Competitions starting at 3pm

• Bertie’s Barn

• Music in the Bar

Thursday, August 7

• From 8.00am – Livestock Judging (main ring and stock lines)

• 12 noon Cattle Inter-herd & Pairs Competitions

• 1.30pm Stannage Stunt Show

• 2.15pm Heavy Horse Turnout Championship Class

• 3.00pm Champion of Champions

• 3.10pm Grand Parade of Livestock

• 4.00pm Vintage Tractor Parade

• 4.45pm Stannage Stunt Show

Around the showground on Thursday

• Horse Exhibits – judging starts 8.30am

• Cattle Exhibits starts 8.00am

• Sheep exhibits starting at 8.30am

• Fleece Competition & Shepherds Crooks

• Shearing Competitions

• Berties Barn in Discovery Area from 8.45am

• Wool Spinning demonstrations

• Flower Show open from 9am

• Children’s Races

• Food & Craft Hall

• Chainsaw Carving

• Full catering available around the showground

• Licensed Bar with Music

• Street Entertainers

On the Show preview evening on August 6 from 2pm to 9pm, tickets for over 12s cost £12, with those aged 12 and under going free. Tickets for the main show on August 7 from 8am to 5pm, cost £20 for adults, with those aged 12 and under can go free. Concession prices are available.

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