SOME MONSOON weather did not stop the good folks of Islay from not only putting on another tremendous show of livestock, but also turning out to witness it, last week.

Show secretary, Roberta MacNeil, paid tribute to her hard-working committee members and helpers who assisted on the day: "The sponsors, the stand holders, the judges, the stewards, the helpers and all the Islay people who support us deserve a huge big amazing thank you.

"We were sorry some of riding events, highland dancing, the parade of vintage vehicles and children's races had to be cancelled due to weather conditions, but roll on next year when we will try to arrange sunshine!," she added, pointing out that 2500 people had come through the gate.

And, despite the weather, the turnout of stock was well up on recent years in terms of numbers and quality. What a year it proved for John 'Tam' Campbell, Port Ellen, who won the Blackface gimmer cup for the first time in more than 50 years of showing at the event, topping it all by leading the breed, then the sheep inter-breed before being champion of champions.