STUNNING entries showcasing the beautiful workmanship of SWI veterans and the imaginative flights of fancy of children helped transform a Dingwall venue into an Aladdin's cave treasure trove of delights last week.

On Friday night the doors opened at The Legion for the Annual SWI Handcrafts show. This year's event included baking and floral art, normally in a separate show.

The show itself was a sight to behold with many beautiful entries pointing to years of experience creating unique labour of love pieces.

There were also entries from male relatives given a chance to show their talents in the baking.

Between the Friday evening and Saturday the event was hailed a success with many visitors. Lynn Winpenny of Ross-shire & Sutherland Federation SWI said: "It was great to see the hall buzzing with folk."

She added: "This year we welcomed three institutes who joined us from Inverness-shire Kiltarlity, Kyleakin and Lochmaddy and competed.

"The prize-giving was presented by Pat Macleod from Dingwall who has been a SWI member for over 55 years. Federation chairman Ann McGhee gave a vote of thanks to all and congratulated all the winners in the show."

Selected prizewinners – Most Outstanding Exhbitis: Nan Colling Cup (outstanding exhibit knitting) – Esther Thomas (Maryburgh & Conon); Maureen Dalman Cup (outstanding exhibit in crochet) – Jean Munro (Resolis); Nigg Cup (outstanding exhibit in sewing) – Rosalie Furlong (Dingwall); Matheson Embroidery Challenge Cup (canvas needlework) – Sheila Paterson (Rosemarkie); Embroidery Cup (most outstanding non-canvas) – Jean Munro (Resolis); Norma Catto Shield (in Cooperative) – Karen Ellis (Resolis); Lady Marjory McEwen Trophy (Tourist) –Carol Ann McRitchie (Maryburgh & Conon); Dry Island Cup (black and white drawing) – Esther Thomas (Maryburgh & Conon); Mrs E.F.C Mackenzie Memorial Trophy (oil painting) – Annette McKee (Maryburgh & Conon); Ferintosh Cup (watercolour) – Roz Crawford (Killearnan); Dry Island Cup (any other medium) – Annette Mckee (Maryburgh & Conon); Dry Island (photography) – Sheila Warren (Killearnan); Isobel Gray Trophy (floral art) – Brigitte Webb (Dingwall); Garve & Lochluichart Trophy (artificial flowers) – Lynn Winpenny (Dingwall); Edith Grigor (baking) – Carol Ann McRitchie (Maryburgh & Conon).

Individual winners – Paton & Baldwin Beehive Shield (member with highest overall points) – Norma Catto (Maryburgh & Conon); Christine Campbell Quaich (member with highest points in embroidery) – Mary Machin (Contin); Jenny Wade Quaich – Lynn Winpenny (Dingwall); Lexie Matheson Trophy – Annette McKee (Maryburgh & Conon); Honorary President's Cup (most points in artificial flowers) – Catherine Mackenzie (Dingwall); Lady McEwen Cup (most points in baking) – Mairi Dickson (Dingwall); Nan Gill Trophy (most points age 8 and younger) – Erica Bain-Smith (Contin); Agnes Munro Goblet (runner-up 8 and under) – Cody Welsh (Tarra Gals); Alice McGregor Trophy (most points age 9-15) – Ava O'Connell (Maryburgh & Conon); Agnes Munro Goblet (runner-up age 9-15) – Jake O'Connell (Maryburgh & Conon); Busybess Trophy – Ava O'Connell; SWRI Male Relative – Norman Chisholm (Ardross).

Institute winners – Nan Cheyne Challenge Cup (best cooperative entry) – Resolis; Isobel Murray Quaich (cooperative runner-up) – Rosemarkie; Mary Fullerton Cup – Dingwall; Elizabeth Murray Cup (most points floral art) – Maryburgh & Conon; Margaret Lackie Challenge Cup (most point baking) – Maryburgh & Conon; Lady Mackenzie Challenge Cup (institute with highest points) – Maryburgh & Conon; Mrs Readhead Perpetual Challenge Cup (institute 2nd place) – Dingwall; Achenames Tankard (institute with greatest entries) – Killearnan; Nurse Sinclair Memorial Trophy – Ardross; Mrs Laidlaw Trophy – Maryburgh & Conon; Black Isle Cup – Killearnan; Mrs J.A. Mackay Cup (Maryburgh & Conon); Macrae Trophy (best exhibit in show) – Annette Mckee oil painting (Maryburgh & Conon); Molly Bewes Trophy (colour and design) – Rosalie Furlong; Miss C.H.N. Roberts Salver (most points for single item member over 80) – Rosalie Furlong; Newmore Cup (member with most gold stars) – Esther Thomas.

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