MEMBERS of the Yarrow & Ettrick Pastoral Society gathered in the Gordon Arms Hotel last Friday for their annual dinner.
Proposing the toast to the Yarrow & Ettrick Pastoral Society, former newspaper editor John Smail praised the way the society had successfully adapted to change over the past 114 years of its existence.
“The passion and commitment the Ettrick and Yarrow farming communities continue to feel for their annual show is extremely heartening,” he told members and guests.
“Back in 1906, the year of the society’s foundation, farmers in the valleys recognised the need to fly the flag for the local agricultural community, to maintain the standards set by previous generations of farmers, herds and stockmen, and to bridge any gaps in understanding between town and country. By any yardstick your society has done a fantastic job.”
The toast to agriculture was proposed by Cameron Pate of Mossilee, who urged his fellow farmers to stick together and promote their products more widely and more successfully.
“It is great to see your show still going strong after all this time,” he said, “and it is clearly important to these rural communities that the event is kept going. I wish you the very best of luck for the future.”
Friday’s dinner was chaired by outgoing society president Stuart Coltherd of Clarilawmuir, while the vote of thanks was proposed by his successor, David Douglas of Catslackburn. Entertainment was provided by Stow’s Stuart Anderson.
This year’s Yarrow & Ettrick Show takes place at Philiphaugh on Saturday, September 12, and will be the 100th staged by the society since its formation 114 years ago.
Top table guests at Friday’s dinner of the Yarrow & Ettrick Pastoral Society. From left: Stuart Anderson, John Smail, Stuart Coltherd, Cameron Pate and David Douglas.
