Welcome to our 200th Anniversary Neilston Show !
From that original event in 1825 it’s amazing to realise 200 years have passed and our show is still going strong. Most of our competitions include something special this year to recognise this milestone for Neilston Show. The Main Ring judging of Cattle, Sheep and Clydesdale Horses will start a little earlier at 09:30 this year, and we are extremely proud to be hosting the Highland Cattle Society UK National Show for 2025, expecting a large turnout of iconic Highland Cattle from all over UK, in addition to local breeders.
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 Shetlands are Back ! With a full programme of 10 classes and a championship trophy to be won. We all hope for a dry day to attract a good number of high quality competitors throughout the show.
Our Educational Dome tent continues to expand, hosting our Crook Making competition, displaying fantastic skill & workmanship. The Dome includes a full range of Field to Fork displays, with over 30 exhibitors from Ayrshire Bees to Shetland sheep, and the ever popular Sheep Shearing Display, a great chance to see a farming skill which cannot be done by machine. The Educational Dome is a free attraction for youngsters of all ages to enjoy the exhibitions. See the full list on page 62.
Away from the main rings, we hope to have a good turnout for the Open Tug o War, another traditional competition of strength as well as technique, starting at 1pm.
Take a look through the Craft and Homecraft tents showing the talents of local people. You will be impressed by the quality of the items on display and for sale. Our Kids Craft Tent also returns this year to offer something for younger children at no cost. From face painting, colouring in and a balloon modeller.
In the afternoon, Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor schools compete in Relay Races Races and Tug o War competitions, vocally supported by their school friends and families. Join in the fun and support your local school team.
Back by popular demand, our Main Ring attraction for 2025, Dangerous Steve will entertain the crowds with his Quad Bike Stunts, Motorbike Tricks and his Unique One-wheeler-motor-bike. Not to be missed.
We also have a revised layout of catering vans, with covered seating area for visitors to have a break and enjoy the show, while having lunch or a coffee.
We could not run Neilston Show without the support of the local community and businesses. We are particularly indebted to the Crawford, Docherty, Murdoch and MacLeod families for the use of their fields for the Main show, Sheepdog trials, Horse section and car parking. My thanks must also go to all of the society Directors and many volunteers who willingly give up their time to make the show success each year, and to all our sponsors for their invaluable support.
Hope to see you there.
Jean Mackay Parker
President