5 minute read
Kinlochleven Gala reborn
Advertisement
Kinlochleven Gala Revived
Iain Ferguson The first Kinlochleven Gala Day for 25 years took place on July 23 on a manicured Island Park which has been restored after years of neglect.
At one time, the hub of community activities from schools sports to concerts and, of course, gala days, Island Park was also regarded as one of the best and least likely to flood sports fields in Lochaber. This resistance to Lochaber weather was attributed to its construction, early last century, when fire bricks which were being replaced at the smelter were used as a base, allowing exceptionally good drainage.
In more recent times, Island Park Community Field Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation was set up, securing funding for, amongst other things, a grass cutting tractor to crop and maintain its surface, hopefully encouraging the return of sporting fixtures. Last November a Guy Fawkes fireworks display became its first event. Then plans started to revive the village gala day. In a relatively short period of time, the gala was organised, a queen and royal party were picked from the local school and activities for all ages were pulled together.
The always unpredictable weather held and while it wasn’t sunny the rain stayed away for most of the proceedings and everyone really enjoyed the day. After a procession from the astroturf on the other side of the village, local teacher Rhona Lawson officially opened the gala and crowned Queen Paige Borland, after which fancy dress, a dog show, Highland dancers, stalls and local band ‘Shine’ made sure there was always something going on to keep people occupied and entertained. One of the driving forces behind the event, Matthew Prosser, said: ‘Many people worked very hard to make this happen and I am glad it was such a successful day with most villagers turning out, along with visitors to the area.
‘Island Park was once a well used, popular venue for many activities in the village and we are hopeful it will be used for many more events to encourage an increased sense of community.
‘Everyone has been very positive about the gala and thanks go to everyone who helped make it happen as well as those who came to support it.’
A GREAT DAY OUT AT LOCHABER AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Always a popular date on the calendar, Lochaber Agricultural Show makes a return on Saturday, August 27th for the 123rd time, having missed a couple of its regular annual slots due to Covid.
Held on Inverlochy Castle Farm, at Torlundy, easily accessible just off the A82 it is a real family day out, with something for everyone, of all ages. Livestock of course is always at the centre of the show, which is a major highlight in the local agricultural year, with intense competition for the many trophies in a number of classes for cattle, sheep and ponies.
Standards are always high at the show, a fact underlined by the many entries from outside the area in the hope of a prestigious award and the widespread recognition attached to it.
Cattle sections include Highland, Pedigree and Cross, while the sheep categories cover Blackface, North Country Cheviot, any other Pure Breed and a Cross Open section. There is also a section for Wool, with Wool on the Hoof and Fleece competitions, each have several classes.
Highland Ponies also feature in an Open Competition, with another for Riding Ponies, Jumping Classes and a Gymkhna - all in the main show ring from 9.30am.
As a showcase of agricultural life, sheepdogs will demonstrate their abilities with a display of how they work and an exhibition of sheep shearing with both modern power shears and traditional hand shears is always a real draw for the crowd.
In the marquees other Agricultural Show traditions will be under way, with vegetable and flower shows, crafts, baking, jam making, honey and many more activities, all as equally hotly contested for a placing and rosette as the livestock.
Lochaber Pipe band, Highland dancers, fancy dress displays and parades also feature throughout the day in the main show ring while nearby other attractions such as bouncy castles, Lochaber Swing band, vintage tractors, tea tent and adult refreshment tent will also be of interest to many visitors.
Many local organisations also play an important part in making sure things run smoothly, with the Rotary Club of Lochaber looking after the entrance fees and Sea Cadets making sure that parking is ship shape. Nevis Radio will be broadcasting live and Hi-bikes will be looking after bicycles and giving advice on going electric. Commercial and charity stalls offering a wide variety of goods will also ensure that there is plenty to occupy the minds of all ages.
More than an agricultural show - a great day out for all the family.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, Sports Injury Clinic, Acupuncture and Ultrasound for all your musculoskeletal problems Counselling & CBT
Choose from Counselling for individuals or couples, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Herbal Medicine
Combines the traditional uses of herbs with modern scientific knowledge and research to help combat disease and boost immunity. Unsure it’s for you…free 15 mins chat
LOCHABER CLINIC
Your wellbeing is our business
Reflexology & Massage Treatments
Discover deep relaxation and promote your body's own healing processes. Swedish, Hot Stone, Deep Tissue and Pregnancy massage treatments Food Intolerance Testing
Discover what foods might be contributing to your symptoms and making you feel ill. Call us to discuss the different testing options
Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs Course
Specialised, evidence based, 12 week course for people with chronic lower back pain or to maintain a strong back for the future. Private 1-2-1 Yoga sessions also available
