Ross-shire and Sutherland SWI showcase stunning craft skills
An array of crafting talent was on show at the Findon Hall in Culbokie recently, when it played host to the 2025 Ross-shire and Sutherland SWI Handcrafts Show.
An amazing 898 entries were laid out for all to see, encompassing knitting, crochet, sewing and embroidery as well as art, photography and other crafts.
Men's talents were also on show as well as the creativeness of the community’s younger members with specific “male relative” and children’s competition categories.
A total of 10 co-operatives entered, the most the show has seen since the end of the pandemic.
Isobel Stewart, a member of Contin SWI who has served as a Federation secretary and treasurer in the past, took on prizegiving duties at the event last Saturday, with many others also helping things run smoothly and enjoyably behind the scenes.
Show secretary Phyllis Hannah and convenor Frieda Mackenzie worked hard along with the H & H team led ably on the floor by Federation secretary Christine Pokernecki.
The husbands and van drivers who helped set up tables before show and pack them away after were recognised by Federation chairman Ann McGhee in her speech prior to the prizegiving.
The Institutes round the Federation are now looking forward to a summer break before resuming in September.
Handcraft Show Trophy List 2025:
Section 1: Knitting
Dore and Scaniport Salver (member with highest overall points): Norma Catto (Maryburgh and Conon)
Nan Colling Cup (outstanding exhibit, knitting): Liz Benzie, Inverness
Section 2: Crochet
Smithton (1974) Quaich (member with highest overall points): Jean Munro, Resolis
Maureen Dalman Cup (outstanding exhibit in Crochet): Jean Munro, Resolis
Section 3: Sewing
Nigg Cup (outstanding exhibit in sewing): Liz Benzie, Inverness
Section 4: Embroidery
Christine Campbell Quaich (member with highest points in embroidery): Ann Hickey, Kyleakin
Matheson Embroidery Challenge Cup (most outstanding canvas needlework): Alison Robertson, Inverness
International Trophy (most outstanding non canvas): Jean Munro, Resolis
Section 5: Any Other Craft
Jenny Wade Quaich (member with most points, class 5): Lynn Winpenny, Dingwall
Thrift Salver (most outstanding in any other craft): Christina Chisholm, Ardross
Section 6: Co-operative
Norma Catto Shield (most outstanding exhibit in co-operative): Karen Ellis, Resolis
Section 7: Tourist
Lady Marjory McEwen Trophy (tourist): Lynn Winpenny, Dingwall
Section 8: Art
Lexie Matheson Trophy (most points in class 8): Ros Crawford, Kilearnan
Dry Island Cup (black and white drawing): Lynn Winpenny, Dingwall
Dulnain Bridge Trophy (oil painting): Lynn Winpenny, Dingwall
Ferintosh Cup (watercolour): Ros Crawford, Kilearnan
Hanson Trophy (any other medium): Esther Thomas, Maryburgh and Conon
Section 9: Photography
Avril MacNamara Trophy (most points in photography): Isabel MacDonald, Maryburgh and Conon
Achanrigh Bowl (most outstanding exhibit in photography): Betty Fraser, Ardross
Section 10: Children/Young Person
Nan Gill Trophy (most points age 8 and younger): Erica Bain-Smith, Contin
Agnes Munro Goblet (runner up age 8 and under): Austin and Magnus Mateer, Maryburgh and Conon
Alice McGregor Trophy (most points age 9 to 15): Chloe Sweeney, Kiltarlity
Agnes Munro Goblet (runner up age 9 to 15): Ellen Bain-Smith, Contin
Busybess Trophy (highest marks, section 5): Milly McRitchie, Maryburgh and Conon
Section 12: Male Relatives
Achenames Tankard (most points in class): Kenneth McRitchie, Maryburgh and Conon
Other Individual Trophies
Macrae Trophy (best exhibit in show): Jean Munro, Resolis
Molly Bewes Trophy (colour and design): Adele Cameron, Dingwall
Miss CHN Roberts Salver - (most points for single item, member over 80 years): Annette McKee, Maryburgh and Conon
Newmore Cup - (member with most gold stars): Lynn Winpenny, Dingwall
Institute Trophies
Section 6: Co-operative
Nan Cheyne Challenge Cup (best co-operative entry): Resolis
Isobel Murray Quaich (co-operative runner up): Dingwall
Class 10: Charity
Mary Fullerton Cup (most points, charity class): Rosemarkie
Other:
Mrs JA MacKay Cup (Institute with most gold stars): Maryburgh and Conon
Lady MacKenzie Challenge Cup (Institute with highest points): Maryburgh and Conon
Mrs Readhead Perpetual Challenge Cup (Institute 2nd place ): Dingwall
Area Cups:
North Area: Nurse Sinclair Memorial Cup: Ardross
Central Area: Mrs Laidlay Trophy: Maryburgh and Conon
Black Isle Area: Black Isle Cup: Killearnan
Inverness Cup: Inverness Group Rally Cup: Kiltarlity
