Alford's prizewinning ploughmen

A Ploughing Match took place at Bridge of Alford, on the 18th March curt. when the sum of Ten Guineas, given to the District of Alford, by the Aberdeenshire Agricultural Association, was divided into 8 Premiums, and adjudged as follows:-

1st,  To John Blackhall, servant to Mr William McCombie, Nethertown of Rough, 3l.
2d,  To David Henderson, farmer's son, at Newbigging of Clatt, 2l.
3d,  To Adam Booth, ditto, at Auchmenaies, Clatt,  1l 10s.
4th,  To Alex. Rannie, servant to Mr Raylor at Wellhouse, Alford, 1l. 2s. 6d.
5th,  To George Wilson, ditto to Mr William Ingram at Greystone, Tullynessle, 1l.
6th,  To William Clerihew, farmer's son at Salivathy, Tullynessle, 15s.
7th,  To John Mitchell, ditto at Anagathie, Keig, 12s.  And,
8th,  To David Lindsay, servant to Mr James Middleton at Kinstair, Alford, 10s 6d.

After the Judges had given in their report, containing the names of the successful candidates above mentioned, and expressed their entire approbation of the superior manner in which the work in general had been executed; they at the same time particularly recommended to the notice of the Stewards, the performances of William Weir, servant to Sir Harry Niven Lumsden, of Auchindoir, and David Stuart, servant to Mr Soutter, Mains of Whitehouse;  To each of these Ploughmen an additional Premium of Seven Shillings and Sixpence was allowed.

The Competitors amounted to thirty-two.  A great number of spectators attended - and after the business was concluded, a party of above 30 dined with the Stewards, at Mr Park's Inn.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 31st March 1819.