A taste of country life at agricultural show

Sunshine made a welcome guest appearance at the event, which took place at Monklands Farm, by kind permission of Andrew and Fiona Malcolm.

Cara Batin, who was handed the honour of serving as this year’s Miss Lilias, was on hand to present trophies to the owners of the top sheep, cattle and horses.

Emma Paterson and David Tulloch were named overall champions, thanks to their Rigfoot Suffolk sheep, while the reserve champion prize went to Tom and Sheena Gatherer, courtesy of their Charolais cow.

There was also plenty to keep guests of all ages entertained, including face painting and pony rides for kids, as well as a host of stalls for bargain hunters.

Aileen Russell, Kilbarchan Show secretary, said: “There were horses galore, from the magnificent Clydesdales and their foals to the beautifully turned-out light horses and ponies.

“The pony rides were provided by Wardhouse Equestrian Centre.”

Every year, the show features an exhibition of vintage tractors and farm machinery and, this time, there was the additional attraction of motorbikes and lorries from years gone by.

Pat Smith, from Lochwinnoch, demonstrated the art of whisky barrel assembly and members of the Greenhills Women’s Institute showed guests how butter is made by hand with a butter churn.

Aileen added: “We also drooled over the baking and crafts presented by mostly ladies of the district.

“From gingerbread to tablet and embroidery to wild flowers arranged in a whisky glass, their talents were a feast for the eyes and tastebuds alike.”