ONE of the north area's biggest agricultural events – the Black Isle Show – is just around the corner, and this year celebrates its 180th year in succession.

The two-day event which takes place on Wednesday, 2 August and Thursday, 3 August, at Mannsfield Showground, Muir of Ord, kicks off on Wednesday night with the showground open to the public from 4pm, including horse showjumping.

Thursday includes all livestock judging of cattle, sheep and horses which commences at 9pm,

The show is also playing a part in the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2016, and will feature numerous events such as a vintage tractor parade and a new discovery area where visitors can take a look back and experience techniques from through the ages and show how farming has evolved over the years.

Livestock judges:

Champion of champions –

CATTLE

Beef inter-breed, groups and pairs – Terry Coghill, Muce, Birsay, Orkney

Aberdeen-Angus – John Lohoar, Glenbervie, Drumlithie, Stonehaven

Beef Shorthorn – Finlay McGowan, Incheoch, Alyth, Blairgowrie

Rare and minority breeds and AOB breed – Mrs Elizabeth Don, Freefield, Oldrayne, Insch

Charolais – David Benson, 16 Oakdene, Claverdon, Warks

Limousin – Stephen Illingworth, Howgillside, Eaglesfield, Lockerbie

Simmental and British Blue – William Gill, Rosskeen, Invergordon

Commercial cattle – Archie MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth

Highland cattle – Ian McKay, Cnoc Fold, Cnoc Cottage, Creagin

Crofters – David Brown, Glynhill, Elgin

Stockman – Kenny Gill, Mid Craiglands, Fortrose.

SHEEP

Sheep inter-breed, group, pairs and young handlers – John Geldard, Low Foulshaw Farm, Gilpin Bridge, Kendal

Blackface – Graeme Sinclair, Crookston, Heriot, Midlothian

Bluefaced Leicester – Ben Wight, Midlock, Crawford

Beltex – Rory Gregor, Oakfield, Thainstone, Inverurie

Texel – Ewen Macarthur, Newton of Budgate, Cawdor, Nairn

Charollais – Sheena Cogill, Muce, Birsay, Orkney

Cross sheep and hoof and hook – Allan Ross, Strathvaigen Hoose, Strichen Mains, Fraserburgh

North County Cheviot (Park) – Miss Ruth Allen, Humbleheugh, Alnwick

North Country Cheviot (Hill) – Martyn Cook, 3 George Street, Halkirk, Wick

Shetland Sheep – Brian Thompson, Moustoft, Weisdale, Shetland

Suffolk – Pat Machray, Beech Lodge, Daviot, Inverurie

Zwartbles – Ms Kirsty Williams, Upper Tullochbeg, Huntly

Any other pure sheep breed (non Acc) – Hugh Kyle, Dalmenny Home Farm, South Queensferry

Crofters sheep (Blackface and Cheviot) – David MacDonald, Corriebheinn Farms, Achachork, Portree

Crofters sheep (Suffolk and Texel) – Graham Smith, Towiemore, Drummuir, Keith

Jacob – Robert Locker, Greenlaw Mill Farm, Greenlaw, Berwickshire

HORSES

Clydesdale – Neil Christie, Dalfoil Farm, Balforn

Highland pony – Miss AM MacLeod, Dalrawer Farm, Aberfeldy

Shetland pony (standard) – Derek Burnett, 4 Arn Place, Udny Station, Ellon

Shetland pony (miniature) – Mrs JI Roberts, Uphouse, Haroldswick, Unst