Health and wellness are central to the attractions as Latheron Show aims to broaden its audience

A health and wellness tent and a special area for families are among the new attractions at this year’s Latheron Show.

This is the 99th year that the Latheron Agricultural Society has hosted an event. The organizers want to broaden their audience by promoting sustainability, inclusivity, diversity and accessibility, while staying true to the event’s rural and agricultural roots.

Show day is Saturday 13th July and the venue is once again West Clyth Farm.

Last year’s event was considered the biggest and best yet, and members of the show committee are looking to build on that by reinstating some old favourites – including a poultry show, a Highland dancing competition and a tug-of-war – while introducing a range of new features. The show also has a newly designed logo.

Show secretary Joanne Smith said: “We looked at last year’s show and identified areas for improvement, such as creating a dedicated area for families with a baby changing and breastfeeding area.

“We reviewed our parking with a focus on accessibility for people with mobility issues and saw an opportunity to support campaigns that improve mental health and wellbeing in rural areas.”

Support was received from the Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Halsary Fund (from ScottishPower Renewables’ Halsary wind farm) and the Lybster and Tannach Fund.

The family tent features a farm themed play area including a ball pit, sandpit, bouncy castles, a play area with vehicles and a mat, a games corner and craft tables. There are also fun activities such as Amanda Coghill getting glitter tattoos and face painting with Mrs Bubbles.

There will be a seated “chill area” for parents to enjoy home-baked pastries and a cup of tea,

Also on hand is the Royal Highland Education Trust, a charity dedicated to bringing farming and the working countryside to life through fun, interactive and educational activities. There is a lambing simulator and showgoers are taken on a hands-on journey of food using seeds and grains, and knowledge is shared 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 who will offer advice, support, interactive demonstrations and resources to highlight the mental health challenges in the agricultural sector and beyond,” said Raymond Gunn, President of the Latheron Agricultural Society.

“We will be hosting four guest speakers who bring a wealth of experience to educate and demonstrate the importance of taking care of ourselves, our mental health, our physical health and planning for the future.”

The full schedule can be found on the Latheron Show social media page.

The health and wellbeing experts include Katrina Sutherland from The Country Spa, who will be giving a Healing Hands demonstration, talking about caring for cancer patients and providing insights into skincare; Fiona Mackintosh, founder of More than Motivation, discussing stress management, mindfulness, breathing techniques and journaling; local tenant farmer Sally Crowe, who will be discussing business goal setting and hosting an interactive discussion on succession and contingency planning; and Lisa Valentine-McLelland from LVM Body Alignment and Movement Therapy, who will be discussing the body’s energy systems and how they support wellbeing, as well as talking about posture and postural correction for pain and mobility management.

Participating groups include the 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.

Entertainment in the main ring is provided by Mark Wylie and his stunt team Drakes of Hazard: a group of Indian Runner ducks who brave an obstacle course led by working collies.

The Vikki Mackay School of Dance will be there as the Highland dancing competition returns. The poultry and rabbit shows are also back, with good entries, and there will be a new pet show.

Forss Young Farmers will be on hand with a number of fundraising activities, while Mr. and Mrs. Bubbles are back with roaming entertainment.

There will be the usual livestock, horse and equestrian competitions, vintage tractor judging and display, flower and cottage industry competitions, outdoor stalls and a large craft and local produce marquee. Activities for youngsters include a bouncy castle, Nerf gun wall and children’s sports.

Mrs Smith added: “We hope our 99th show will be the best yet. The committee and volunteers have worked hard and we hope you will come and enjoy all the activities organised on show day.”

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