Garioch ploughing champions

We hear, that notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the Ploughing Match, appointed by the Garioch Farmer Club, took place on the Farm of Cocklarachy, on the 21st of March last.  Twenty Ploughs started, and, after the horses and ploughs had been removed, the Judges came on the field, who having particularly examined every Lot, adjudged the Premiums as follows:-

The 1st Premium, being Three Guineas, and the Highland Society's Silver Medal, to Charles Burness, servant to Mr Webster, Mains of Laithers.

The 2d, Two Guineas, to James Hendry, servant to Mr Adam Thomson, Tallathrowie.

The 3d, Two Guineas, to Alexander Taylor, servant to Mr Webster, Mains of Laithers.

The 4th, One Guinea and a half, to Alexander McRobbie, servant to James Allardyce, Esq. of Boynsmill.

The 5th, One Guinea, to George Brodie, servant to James Allardyce, Esq. of Boynsmill.

The 6th, Half-a-Guinea, to William Wallace, servant to James Allardyce, Esq. of Boynsmill.

Altho' only twenty ploughs started, yet, had the weather been favourable, there was reason to have expected, that upwards of Forty would have been on the ground.

After the Ploughing Match, the Garioch Farmer Club, partook of a very excellent Dinner, prepared for them, by Mrs Mellis, Huntly; and the evening was spent with the greatest harmony and happiness.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 2nd April 1817.

Melancholy Accident in Gartly

We are sorry to learn, that on the night of Monday the 18th, during a tremendous storm of rain, wind, and snow, Mr Cruickshank, schoolmaster of Gartly, lost his way within a mile of his own house, and perished from the rigour of the night.  He has left a large family to bewail his premature death.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 27th March 1816.