The good weather during the horse show and preview evening on Wednesday continued into Thursday when approximately 25,000 people flocked to the Mannsfield Showground.

As the sky became overcast by late morning, there were long queues of show-goers at all the turnstiles as scores more people poured out of the car parks.

Once again the stock lines proved an impressive spectacle, with many Ross-shire breeders picking up top awards.

Local competitors also led the field in the flower show, with virtually all the top trophies going to Ross-shire gardeners.

The sheep show, which featured a flock of talented performing sheep, proved one of the biggest crowd pullers on the day, while eye-catching street performers mingled with the crowd.

The side shows at the fun fair, which is also a favourite with the young and the young-at-heart, looked even more death-defying than usual.

The youngest competitor at the Show? Alana Fraser, 2, from Beauly, who took part in the Morning Horse Show. Alasdair Allen

There was also heart-stopping action in the ring from the Mega Minis Stunt Display Team. Their high-speeds minis and motorbikes drew gasps from the ringside crowd, particularly when one car split in two. There was also more sedate entertainment from the sheep dog display team, as well as the vintage tractor parade. Show secretary Rod Mackenzie said yesterday that the good weather was an added bonus on what was proving to be a very successful show day.

"It is a super day and the brilliant weather always puts everybody in good tune," he said.

"I would say we have had a big turn out, with an awful lot of people coming in between 9am and 11am."

l.bradshaw@rsjournal.co.uk

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