Nigg ploughing match

On Saturday the 23d October, the Annual Ploughing Match, in the parish of Nigg, took place on a field at Loirston - when 16 Ploughs appeared on the ground, all of which started by eleven o'clock, and completed their several tasks by half-past two; when the three Judges came on the ground, and after a most minute and tedious examination of the work performed, adjudged the Premiums, as follows:-

1st Premium, to Alexander Gordon, servant to Mr Duthie at Loirston,

2d Premium, to James Falconer, servant to Mr Morrice at Tullos.

3d Premium, to David Lyon, son of Widow Lyon, Altens.

4th Premium, to Alexander Glenny, servant to Mr Davidson, at Balnagask.

5th Premium, to James Cooper, servant to Mr Edward, South Kirkhill.

A Prize given to Ploughmen who had formerly gained first prizes, was awarded to George Shirreffs, servant to Mr Davidson, Balnagask.

Although it was the first time the field had been broke up since it was in a state of nature, the whole work was uncommonly well executed, and the Judges regretted there were not more Premiums to be distributed amongst so deserving competitors.

The Gentlemen present dined together, and spent the evening with much social pleasure.  And on the Tuesday following, the Ploughmen gave their sweethearts and friends a ball and supper, which they kept up with mirth and glee, until an early hour next morning.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 3rd November 1819.

Prizes for Huntly district ploughmen

PLOUGHING MATCH, Huntly, 12th March.

The Premiums allotted by the Aberdeen Association, to the District of Huntly, were contended for this day, on a field belonging to Mr Gordon of Cocklarachy.  Seventy-five ploughs started, at an early hour, and the field turned up exhibits proofs of superior workmanship.  The judges, after the most patient investigation, awarded the premiums as follows:-

1st,  25s.  To William Alexander, son to the farmer of Cairnhill.

2d,  22s 6d.  To Robert Ironside, servant to Mr Gordon, Rhynie.

3d,  21s. To George Alexander, son to the farmer of Cairnhill.

4th,  20s. To Alex. Alexander, son to do. of do.

5th,  17s.  To  George Harper, servant to Mr Robertson of Auchanackie.

6th,  15s.  To Alex Bird, do. to the Marquis of Huntly.

7th,  14s.  To Alexander Robertson, do. to Mr Conn, Cruchie.

8th,  13s.  To William Alexander, do. to Mr McPherson, Gibston.

9th,  12s.  To John Gordon, son to Mr Gordon of Auchinbo.

10th,  11s.  To James Flemming, servant to Mr Pirie, Tillaminnet.

11th, 10s 6d.  To Alexander Green, son of William Green, Tillathrowie.

12th,  10s.  To James Mellis, do. to the Marquis of Huntly.

13th,  10s.  To Adam Mathewson, do. to Mr Grant, Westseat.

14th,  9s.  To George Robertson, do. to Mr Taylor, Lessendrum.

The judges regretted, that their powers were so circumscribed, as to prevent them from extending the reward of merit to many other deserving candidates.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 17th March 1819.

Ploughing Match in Kinnellar

On Monday the 23d ult. a Ploughing Match took place on Nether Aquhorks, in the parish of Kinnellar, at the suggestions of the neighbouring farmers.  The day was dine; and there were no less than twenty-eight ploughs in the field.  The judges were in general much pleased with the work of the various competitors; and they awarded the Prizes to the following persons:

1st Prize to Peter Davie, servant to Mr Burness, Bogheads.
2d Do. to Thomas Coutts, servant to Mr Divertie, Midmill.
3d Do. to James Hunter, servant to Mr Smith, Ord.
4th Do. to Joseph Knowles, servant to Mr Brown, Blackchambers.
5th Do. to Alexander Cushnie, servant to Mr Wilson, Little-clinterty. - And,
6th Do. to James Edmund, servant to Mr Still, Strathray.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 1st April 1818.

Parish of Nigg Ploughing Match

On the 14th ult. the Parish of Nigg Ploughing Match took place, when 16 ploughs (one of them drawn by a pair of oxen) started about 11 o'clock.  After completing their respective tasks, (two ridges) the judges found the whole work so correctly executed, and so far surpassing their expectations, that they found great difficulty in determining to whom the Prizes ought to be awarded, which after repeated inspections, they determined as follows:-  The first to George Mason, servant to Mrs Reith, North Lowerston; the second to Andrew Edward, son of Mr Wm. Edward, South Kirkhill; the third to Charles Kennedy, son of Alex. Kennedy, Tullos; the fourth to James Anderson, servant to Mr C. Innes, Upper Torry; the fifty to George Collie, servant to Mr Davidson of Balnagask. 

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 1st April 1818.

PLOUGHING MATCH

Upon Saturday the 25th ult. the Annual Ploughing Match in the parish of Nigg, was held in a field on the farm of North Loirston, occupied by Mrs Reith.  The day being uncommonly fine, 17 Ploughs started about ten o'clock A.M. and finished their respective tasks (about half an Acre) about 2 o'clock P.M.  The work in general was so well executed, that it was with some difficulty the judges could determine upon the Premiums, which were adjudged as follows, viz.:

1st.  To John Davidson, servant, Kincorth.
2d.  To Andrew Edward, son of William Edward, South Kirkhill.
3d.  To William Beattie, servant to Mr Charles Elmslie, Cove.
4th.  To William Pirie, servant to Mr William Johnston, Middleton.
5th.  To David Tavendale, servant to Dr Cruden.
6th.  To John Donald, son of William Donald, Red-craigs.

As usual, a Prize was competed for by the Ploughmen, who got the first Prizes on former years, and was gained by George Sherriffs, servant to Mr William Edward, South Kirkhill.  The improvement on the Ploughing, within these few years, was evident to all present; and, as an instance of the utility of such Institutions, four of the Prizes, out of the six, were gained by the youngest Ploughmen in the Parish.  After the business was over, a large party sat down to an excellent dinner given by Mrs Reith; a number of loyal and appropriate toasts were given, and some excellent song were sung on the occasion, and the evening was spent with the greatest harmony, and at a late hour the company separated, highly gratified with the attention and hospitality of Mrs Reith.  On the Tuesday following, the Ploughmen gave a Rural-dance and Entertainment, to their female friends and sweet-hearts, in Gregory Cumming's, Boat Inn, Torry.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 12th February 1817.

Prizewinning Ploughmen

GARIOCH PLOUGHING MATCH.

We hear that this match took place at Pitbee, in the parish of Chapel of Garioch, on the 23d of March last.  Twenty-nine ploughs started: twenty-eight of which were drawn by pairs of horses, and one by a pair of oxen.  After the work was finished, and the ploughs had been removed, the Judges came on the field; and, having particularly examined every lot, adjudged the Premiums as follows, viz. :-

The first Premium, L.3 3s. and the Highland Society's Silver Medal, to Joseph Jolly, Thainston.

The second, L.2 2s. and the Highland Society's Silver Medal, to William Middleton, Netherthird.

The third, L.2 2s. to Peter Rough, Portston.

The fourth, L.1 11s. 6d, to William Allan, Freefield.

The fifth, L.1 1s. to Joseph Ord, Netherthird.

The sixth, 10s. 6d. to John Alexander, Balhagarty.

The ploughing was executed much to the satisfaction of the judges and gentlemen present, who were pleased to witness so clear an evidence of the improved state of this important part of agriculture.  After the match, the Garioch Farmer Club dined at Pitmachie, and spent the afternoon with the utmost conviviality. - Sir A. LEITH in the Chair.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 10th April 1816.

Ploughing Match at Cairnhill of Elsick

On Monday, 22d, a Ploughing Match took place at Cairnhill of Elsick, when Fifteen Ploughs started, in a field possessed by Messrs. James and William Milne, each drawn by a Pair of Horses; the whole work was performed in a style that did much credit to the Ploughmen; and after being inspected by competent judges (who had considerable difficulty in making up their minds), the Prizes, raised by Subscription, were awarded as follows, viz:-

1st Prize to William Moir, servant to James Marr, at Jellybrands.
2d Do. to David Nicoll, farmer's son, Dubystyle.
3d Do. to George Leiper, servant to James Marr, Jellybrands.
4th Do. to John Irvine, servant to Dr Morrison of Elsick.
5th Do. to John Knowles, farmer, Beltcraigs.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 24th November 1813.

Clatt ploughing match

CLATT PLOUGHING MATCH. - The Clatt Plowman Society, desirous to promote improvement in Ploughing, so essential to the interests of Agriculture, held their first Annual Ploughing Match on Wednesday the 3d curt, upon a field belonging to Mr Mitchell in Auchindellan, when a number of Ploughs started, and every candidate exerted his talents before a numerous crowd of spectators.  The work gave general satisfaction, and after a minute investigation by the judges, they awarded the premiums to the following persons, viz. - the first to George Reid, son to Alexr. Reid, farmer in Drangowan; the second to Alexr. Barclay, son to Alexr. Barclay, farmer in Littlenewton; the third to John Wilson, servant to Alex. Barclay, Littlenewton; the fourth to David Henderson, son to David Henderson, farmer, Newbiggin.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 17th March, 1813.

Prizewinning Buchan ploughmen

BUCHAN PLOUGHING MATCH. - On Friday, the 11th inst. the Competition for the Premiums given by the Highland Society of Scotland to the best Ploughmen, took place in a Field at Aberdour House, before a Committee of the Society, and a number of Proprietors and respectable Farmers of the District.  At 11 o'clock, on a signal being given by the Convenor, Twenty-Four Ploughs started, one of which was drawn by Oxen; and the Work being finished, the Judges, after examining every Lot in the most careful manner, awarded the Premiums as follows, to the satisfaction of all present:

No. I - Being Three Guineas, and one of the Society's Medals - to David Cunningham, Servant to Mr Ross, in Tyrie.

No. II - Two Guineas and the other Silver Medal - to William Club, Servant to the Revd Mr Craik.

No. III - Two Guineas, to James Pirie - Servant to Mr Paton, in Towie.

No. IV. - One Guinea and a Half - to William Brown, Servant to Mr Gamack, Coburty.

No V. - One Guinea - to William Duncan, junior, in Killiewharp.

No. VI. - Half a Guinea - to William Grant, senior, Servant to Mr Ross, in Mains of Tyrie.

A liberal Subscription was made for the unsuccessful Candidates, to encourage them to future exertions in the most laudable of all undertakings; and the afternoon passed in the greatest harmony, an excellent Entertainment having provided, by Mr Cowie, from Rosehearty.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 23rd December 1812.

Prizewinning Ploughmen

The ploughing match appointed by the Garioch Farmer Club, took place at Newton upon the 2d inst.  A numerous committee of the club attended, who, in consequence of the unanimous opinion of four Judges, practical gentlemen farmers, found Alexander Watson, servant to Mr Keith, in Netherthird, entitled to the first Premium; Alexander Skene, also servant to Mr Keith, entitled to the second; and James Bisset, servant at Lessendrum, entitled to the third.

On the recommendation of the Judges, the Committee authorised their Secretary to pay a fourth premium to Alexander Simpson, in Threefield of Culsalmond, as his work was the fourth in point of merit, and as it is the wish of the Club, to encourage actual farmers and farmers' sons to come forward with their own ploughs.  The work in general obtained the approbation of the judges, the committee, and a numerous concourse of spectators.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 20th November, 1811.

Buchan Ploughing Match

On Wednesday, the 21st November, in presence of Francis Garden Campbell, Esq. of Troup and Glenlyon, the Convener;  George Gordon, Esq. of Hallhead; Patrick Stewart, Esq. of Auchlunkart - members of the Society; a most respectable meeting of Proprietors and practical Farmers of the District; the Presidents and many of the Members of the Buchan Agricultural and Deer Farmer Societies - the Ploughing Match for the Premiums given by the Highland Society of Scotland, in the district of Buchan, took place in a field of Auchtydonald, the property of James Ferguson, Esq. of Pitfour, and possessed by Mr Thomas Kilgour.  Fifty Ploughs started, Forty-nine of which were drawn by single pairs of horses, and one by a pair of oxen.  The Judges appointed were - Messrs James Gordon, Orrok; Thomas Laing, Haddo; John Geddes, Rattray; Robert Scott, Yokieshill; Alexander Irvine Ross, Tyrie; who determined the Premiums as follows: The first, of Three Guineas, and one of the Silver Medals, to Alexander Bonner, servant to Mr Alexander Bruce, farmer at Millhill of Kinmundy; the second of Two Guineas, and the other Silver Medal; to James Walker, servant to Colonel Hutchison of Cairngall; the third of Two Guineas, to Robert Ranny, servant to Mr James Bruce, farmer, of Middletown of Innerquhomry; the fourth of One and a Half Guinea, to William Carle, servant to Thomas Kilgour, Esq. tacksman of the farm of Auchtydonald; the fifth of One Guinea, to Andrew Paterson, servant to Alexander Harvey, Esq. of Broadland; and the sixth of Half a Guinea, to James Kynoch, servant to Mr John Mackie, farmer, of Oldtown of Coynach.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 28th November, 1810.

GARIOCH PLOUGHING MATCH

The GARIOCH FARMER CLUB have appointed thier PLOUGHING MATCH, for this year, to be on Tuesday the 13th of November, on Mr SHEPHERD's Farm at Balcairn, near Old Meldrum. - Premiums will be given to the Three Best Performers, as usual.  - The Ploughs to start at 11 o'clock. - Any person allowed to be a Competitor, except those who have already got the First Premium. -- Dinner at Mr Barnett's at 3 o'clock.
JAMES MANSFIELD of Midmar, P.
JAMES GORDON of Craig, V.P.
THOMAS ELMSLIE, Fingask  }
ALEXr. KEITH, Netherthird     } Stewards
             DAV. SMITH Sec. & Tr.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 31st October, 1810