More silverware for Forfar’s world champion ploughman

Andrew Mitchell Snr comes out on top after two days of ploughing action near Invergordon.

By Keith Findlay

October 29 2024, 6:00am

Top-class ploughing action at Newmore Farm, near Invergordon. Image: Paul Campbell

Seven-time world champion Andrew Mitchell Snr, of Forfar, added more silverware to his collection at the 2024 Scottish Ploughing Championships.

He scooped both the conventional and overall titles at the two-day event at Newmore Farm, near Invergordon.

Brian Baxter, of East Ingliston, was reversible plough champion.

Andrew and Brian both go on to represent Scotland at the World Ploughing Championships in Czechia next year.

The finest ploughmen from around Scotland and beyond went head-to-head in challenges requiring lots of skill, strength and determination at Newmore Farm.

A total of 113 competitors competed across 17 different classes.

The Scottish Ploughing Championships celebrated their 60th anniversary this year.

‘Fantastic’ weekend

Organising committee chairman Derek MacIver said it was a “fantastic weekend”.

He added: “The weather was on our side, which was a big help. It stayed dry until the ploughing was all finished.

“There was a big attendance, with the car park more or less full on the Saturday.”

Scottish Ploughing Championships — The weather stayed dry for the ploughing. Image: Paul Campbell

Derek described the overall winner as “a great ambassador” for Scottish ploughing.

Trade stalls, food and craft stands, a model display, ploughing merchandise and powerlifting duo The Stoltman Brothers all helped to keep everyone entertained.

Winners in the Friday contests included Struan Trewartha, of St Andrews, who was named best conventional plougher under 26. Struan also won the youngest ploughman’s trophy.

Next year’s Scottish Ploughing Championships will take place in Arbroath.

Gallery: 26 of the best pictures from the Scottish Ploughing Championships

Top honours at Newmore Farm

Best competitor from outside Scotland: Nigel Vickers, Malpas
Visitors, overall: Nigel Vickers, Malpas
Horse, broken furrow: 1 Benny Duncan, Balmalcolm 2 John Fletcher, Cardigan 3 Adam Young, Cleish
Horse, whole furrow: 1 Benny Duncan, Balmalcolm 2 John Fletcher, Cardigan 3 Adam Young, Cleish
Horse champion: Benny Duncan, Balmalcolm
Ferguson TE-20: Peter Walker, Livingston
Demo GPS: Duncan Duthie, Lemken
Demo non-GPS: Ian Pratt, Lemken
Horticultural, overall: Tam Tweedie, Biggar
Tractor, high cut: Robert Kennedy, Haddington
Best Young Farmer’s Club member: Robert Kennedy, Haddington
Vintage mounted, overall: George Black, Earlston
Vintage trailing, overall: Douglas Stewart, Turriff
Overall vintage champion: George Black, Earlston
Reversible multi-furrow, overall: David Taylor, Crieff
Classic reversible, overall: Colin Crawford, Linlithgow
Conventional classic, overall: John Griffin, Kelso
Modern classic, overall: Ron Phillips, Cupar
Reversible best from three classes: Brian Baxter, East Ingliston
Reversible champion: Brian Baxter, East Ingliston
Reversible reserve champion: James Tait, Mey
Conventional world style champion: Andrew Mitchell Snr, Forfar
Conventional world style reserve champion: Mark Skea, Inverurie
Overall world style champion: Andrew Mitchell Snr, Forfar