Fun shines through at 'biggest ever' TruckNess 2023 staged at Muir of Ord
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The Highlands paid its annual tribute to the haulage industry on Saturday, as crowds turned out in their thousands for TruckNess 2023.
The annual event, held at the Black Isle showgrounds in Muir of Ord, attracted a paying attendance of over 5500 people for a mix of truck and vehicle displays, side shows and charitable activities.
TruckNess treasurer and committee member Lee-Anne Maclennan said: "We had around about 5500-6000 people in through the gates at the show, but that doesn't include the kids as we didn't charge for them. We were delighted with how the day has gone.
"This year we had one of our biggest attendances, vehicle wise. We had over 220 trucks on the day, and a further 80 other vehicles, such as tractors, cars, motorbikes and cranes. We are delighted with that. It seems to grow every year."
The horn blast, as always, was a highlight, as the sound of trucks rent the air for several minutes in an incredible display of togetherness.
In a memorable moment, 79-year-old Willie Hay, who was crowed as Highland Trucker of the Year, had several people in the crowd in tears as he delivered a touching acceptance speech.
Having spent over 50 years as a trucker, Willie noted that he had "tried to retire, but couldn’t stand it!"
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Wet weather threatened to put a dampener on the day, but the fun shone through, as Ms Maclennan attests.
She added: "The weather played its part a bit, but it didn't seem to faze people too much. We had plenty of sheltered areas to take cover when the showers were happening. We have had a really good day though, everyone enjoyed themselves and we hope they that we have raised a good amount for the charity.
"We tried some new things this year, with the kids area featuring a lot of things for children to get involved with. We had the car boot sale which was brilliant and really well received. It's something different which we haven't normally included in our event, but working alongside MFR Cash for Kids this year, we have enjoyed the chance to work alongside them. We are hoping to run with the same type of thing again next year."
The committee paid tribute to the many volunteers who helped with this year's show – none moreso than George Maclennan, who, after seven years as chair of TruckNess committee, has confirmed his retirement.
Ms Maclennan added: "This year was George's last year. He's just retired from his job and he just feels it is the right season for him to take a step back and hand over the show to some other folk who want to be involved in running it and adding a different dimension to it. His involvement has been so crucial and essential to making it a success.
"We have an incredible team that work really hard right through the year to take the event happen. It is a big event and we are really grateful to all of those who participate in the running of it, and also to the public who come year in, year out to help us raise funds for an incredible charity."
