WITH only a few hours to go until one of the biggest events in the SAYFC West Region calendar, members will be looking forward to celebrating the Talent Spot’s 50th anniversary in style.

Since its introduction back in 1968, the competition has evolved during the years and showcases the best of the region’s talent through a 10-minute display of singing and dancing, with some very well designed sets and costumes to enhance their performance. One of the members to the fore of setting up the competition 50 years ago was John Kinloch, who has the honour of judging the final at the SEC Armadillo, in Glasgow, on Saturday, March 31, alongside David Scott, who was heavily involved with the East Region Cabaret, and dance teacher, Miss Amanda Letarte. 

“I was a member of Loch Lomond YFC and at the time we were trying to attract members from the town, not just from the countryside, and we realised they often weren’t able to take part in a lot of the more traditional competitions, such as sheep shearing or tractor driving,” explained John of the competition’s humble beginnings. 

“There were a lot of clubs putting on annual concerts so we wanted to pull them all together to put on a show. Now, there are up to 300 members taking part in the final but with up to 600 competing at the district eliminations, so it’s become one of the biggest competitions within the organisation. It’s become a lot more professional too so we’ve really got to thank all the producers and choreographers for helping to put on a great show,” added John, whose influence can be seen in later years having produced a couple of winning performances.

Despite the wintery weather conditions meaning several of the district eliminations were postponed, Mr Kinloch praised the districts for their efforts in putting on a show. 

The Scottish Farmer:

Taking to the stage tonight will be Kilmaurs YFC, Crossroads YFC, Lower Nithsdale YFC, SSS YFC,  Avondale YFC, Wigtownshire YFC and Loch Lomond YFC, as well as the winner of the wild card competition, where the teams that didn’t qualify in their district elimination will hope to earn a place in the final. This year's wildcard entry is Biggar YFC. As if that wasn’t enough to keep the crowd entertained, there will be four front of curtain acts putting on a show during the breaks, with the winner voted for by the audience. 

“I’m looking to be entertained most of all, and the singing needs to be good quality without being flat or what I call shouty. The performers have also got to react to each other on stage and act as a team, it’s all about having fun after all,” added John.