Good day at Galloway despite rain

Aug 19 2009 by Iain Pollock, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

RAIN did not stop play at the Galloway Country Fair at the weekend.

The two-day event on the Earl of Annandale’s Raehills estate was a muddy affair thanks to the inclement weather but enthusiasts donned wellington boots and waterproofs for an action-packed feast of all things country.

It was a chance to embrace the rural way of life with traditional country sports, traditions and pastimes on display.

And with so much to see and do it proved a great family day out – and not just for the hunting, shooting and fishing brigade.

Organiser Jane Sargeant left no stone unturned to make sure the event was a success with investment in drainage, roads and hard-standings paying off and, while attendances were affected by the rain on Saturday, it was a different story on Sunday when the Red Arrows put on a spectacular aerial display over the showground in sunshine.

The country fair attracts 18,000 visitors from both sides of the border and Northern Ireland and provides a real showcase for the region.

Duncan McConchie and his team from Laggan Outdoors at Gatehouse of Fleet ran a clay pigeon shoot and offered a competitive sporting shoot, while Contrail Gundogs from Corsock ran a gundog scurry and Threave Bowmen from Castle Douglas promoted archery.

Other attractions included hound, terrier and lurcher shows, falconry displays, axe throwing, fishing demonstrations, dry stane walling, and ferret displays.

As well as a craft marquee, there was a food hall and cookery demonstrations from Janet Schuckardt and her daughter, Lina, from the Wellview Hotel, Moffat.

With plenty of trade stands to browse around and fairground attractions for youngsters, the Galloway Country Fair continues to go from strength to strength.