Lots of aficionados gathered in the fields of Balnagore Farm, Ross-shire for the Easter Ross Ploughing Association Annual Match on Saturday, 13 November 2010. Fifty-four entrants competed for trophies in the categories of reversible 2, 3, 4, and 5 furrough plough, conventional plough, vintage plough, and junior class. There was also a keenly contested demonstrator section. As well, in a class of their own were Star and Jock, a pair of Suffolk Punch horses owned by Jimmy MacKenzie of Evanton. They pulled a Ransomes single-furrough plough with style and seemingly little effort. Ploughing took place over four hours and was closely judged by a panel of expert judges and inspectors. Rules were stringent and competitors were highly focused and very skilled.
Farming is a major part of life in the Scottish Highlands, and ploughing is considered a key skill and an art form. Annual matches like this one take place all throughout the Highlands of Scotland in the autumn and winter months, after the harvest has been completed. It is a social event, drawing together farmers and tractormen and their families from all around the region. The match on Saturday was held in glorious autumn weather. Refreshments were provided in the farm buildings, and an evening dance took place in Nigg Hall. This match also included a charity “shaving of the beard,” for Highland Hospice. The beard in question had been attached for the last 37 years to Mr Ted Rose of Arabella.
Ploughing matches such as this one can be found throughout the farming communities of the Scottish Highlands. Check local press and radio for upcoming events.
| 
