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The Nairn Show

The Nairn Show, usually held on the last Saturday in July, has been in existence since the Nairnshire Farming Society was formed in 1798. Originally staged at Cawdor, the show was relocated close to the town centre in an eight acre bought from Viscount Findlay of the neighbouring Newton House, now the Newton Hotel and Highland Conference Centre.

As agricultural shows go, Nairn is one of the smaller events on the circuit. But amidst the crisis which struck the industry in 2001 – with foot and mouth disease wreaking havoc and livestock movements severely curtailed – the Nairnshire Farming Society led the way and took the unparalleled step to proceed with their showpiece - with no animals. Their optimism was not misplaced. To bridge the gap, the society introduced additional show ring entertainments, including a float pageant to replace the grand parade of stock, and a marquee dance in the evening.

Local organisations responded magnificently with pageant entries dating from the Stone Age and the Flintstones to Beyond the Final Frontier with Star Trek. Record crowds attended on a lovely sunny day (as any Nairn Show devotee will tell you, that’s traditional as well) and a large sum of money was raised for a charity to assist farmers who suffered so badly from the foot and mouth outbreak.

The Highlands , like most of the rest of , escaped much of the impacts of the disease, apart from the necessary restrictions put in place. But the strong bond which exists between the town and county areas of Nairnshire was evident that day. Trade stands filled the field and the crowds turned out in their thousands with a common sense of purpose.

Nairnshire boasts some of the finest cross cattle in the country and the Moyness Charolais herd is world renowned. Although the animals from these herds could not be exhibited at the 2001 Nairn Show, the spirit which has seen this event through many turbulent years was evident more than ever before.

For further information contact the Secretary of the Nairnshire Farming Society:- Mrs Diana Wilson, 3 George Wilson Road, Auldearn.  Tel (01667) 453913.