Neilston Agricultural show celebrates its 200th anniversary

The event is organised and run by a team of directors, who are made up of local farmers. When the show celebrated 150 years, there were 33 directors; today, there are 86 involved in the show.

Show president, Jean Mackay Parker, the first female to hold the title, is looking forward to the big day on Saturday, May 3 at Holehouse.

The Woodneuk print donated by David Yarrow for best opposite sex to the Highland champion “It’s amazing to realise that 200 years have passed since the original event in 1825, and our show is still going strong,” said Jean.

“We are also incredibly proud to host the Highland Cattle Society UK National Show, and are expecting a large turnout of Highland cattle from all over the UK as well as local breeders”.

This year and from 2025 onwards, a special prize will be awarded to the champion Highland animal of the opposite sex. The Woodneuk print, donated by the photographer, David Yarrow, features a Highland cow standing in the waters at Glencoe.

Neilston Show Directors at the 150th anniversary show Commenting on other sections of the show, Jean added: “The light horse area has competitions for a range of equine types, to test competitors of all ages. We are also excited to announce that Shetland ponies are back! With a full programme of 10 classes and a championship trophy to be won, we all hope a dry day attracts many high-quality competitors throughout the show.”

The annual Pad Race will officially kick off the show at 10am. More than 100 people are expected to run from the show field to follow the Letham Burn, up to the top of Pad Hill, and back to the show field.

Neilston Show, a stone’s throw away from Glasgow, started early in the 19th Century following a dispute between two farmers from the village. Both had a prized bull that each said was better than the other’s. To settle the argument, the farmers arranged a contest that other farmers would judge. Nobody remembers who had the best bull, but the contest grew into an annual event that has continued for 200 years.

The lineup of directors for 2025 Show day falls on the first Saturday in May and is one of the earliest shows in the farming calendar. Although initially concentrating on agriculture, the ‘Cattle Show’ has always been well supported by the local people and schools of Neilston, Uplawmoor, and Barrhead, making it a fun day for all the family. This support from the community has been vital to the show’s continued success and has meant it has gone from strength to strength.

Neilston Agricultural Society holds the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. The show, understood to be the only one in Scotland to hold the accolade, received the award in 2022.

It recognises all the volunteers who give their time throughout the year to make the show happen and the many organisations and helpers who turn up on the day, to ensure it runs smoothly.

The Educational Marquee was a key factor in choosing Neilston Show to receive this award, as it is an excellent example of involving the whole community with traditional agriculture. The ‘Dome’ tent started in 2000 and was just 6m long. Over the past 20 years, it has become a 70m long showcase for 30 farming and traditional crafts exhibitors.

Jimmy Warnock MBE, a former president of the Royal Highland Show, recommended the show for the award. Mr Warnock said: “Neilston Agricultural Show has embraced the education of the next generation with enthusiasm and a passion which must be seen to be believed. I have no hesitation in commending them for this award.”

“Education’ is stamped on every aspect of its programme. Families travel to the showground to receive hands-on, seeing-is-believing education from experts in every field of country life.

Farmers travel miles to exhibit their cattle, sheep, and horses before expert judges.

This is where the education begins.

Breeders and commentators explain the different breeds, their management, and what makes a good one into a very good one capable of winning a prize.

The whole story of food production from field to fork is visible to all, and families often spend hours learning the facts about what they eat”.

Back by popular demand, the 2025 main ring attraction, Dangerous Steve, will entertain the crowds with his quad bike stunts, motorbike tricks, and unique one-wheeler motorbike.

The Neilston Community Choir will also perform. Michelle McManus, the Scottish singer, and television presenter from Glasgow who won the second and final series of the talent show Pop Idol in 2003, will be a guest.

There is also a revised layout of catering vans, with a covered seating area for visitors to have a break and enjoy the show, while having lunch or a coffee.

Judges

Cattle

Dairy classes – Brian Weatherup Jnr, Parkend, Crossgates

Commercial beef - Jack Hendry, Heads of Auchinderran, Keith

Highland - Willie MacLean, Inverglen, Barcaldine

Simmental and native - Robert McAlister, Lanagalbuiloch Farm, Bute

Sheep

Black Faced Sheep, Blue Faced Sheep, Scotch Mules - Gordon Currie, Isle of Islay

Suffol, Border Leicester, Texel - Robert Paterson, Auchinlay Farm, Dunblane

Dutch Spotted, Any other breed - Andy Beattie, Carlauston, Kippen

Heavy Horse

Pete Black, Newton of Collessie, Ladybank

Young Farmer & Young Handler

Emma McAlister, Coxhill Farm, Falkirk

Sheep Dog

Richard Armour, Cumnock

Light horse

BHS Working Hunter – Julie White, Beith

Mountain and Moorland – Jane McNaught, Darvel

Shetlands – Jane Barry, Culbokie

Family Pony – Moira Barr and June Connelly

Veteran Horse and Pony – Susan Malyon, Neilston

Coloured Horse & Pony - Martin Doherty, Langbank

Training Stakes - David Picken, Dundonald