Strathmore bales got balls

The popular annual event saw young farmers clubs across Scotland spend their weekend assembling bale creations to promote cancer awareness as part of the SAYFC’s existing cancer campaign.

The competition has helped to harvest an eager rural network who have the emphasis of self-health and wellbeing checks at heart.

The difficult decision to choose the final six was down to judges Robert Taylor, partner of Galbraith and Edinburgh Rugby’s Italian prop Pietro Ceccarelli. Both judges met on Wednesday, October 2 at BT Murrayfield to make their selections.

Strathmore JAC’s cheeky structure impressed the judges but equally carried a serious and important message – raising awareness of breast cancer through supporting charity Brest Cancer Now and urging men to ‘check your balls’ in order to combat testicular cancer, on behalf of Cahonas Scotland. The bales are due to be dismantled this weekend, but if you get change to catch them, look out for the creation on the A94 between Coupar Angus and Meigle.

Peeblesshire JAC - Macmillan Cancer Support

Runners up in the competition were Peeblesshire JAC and their chosen charity Macmillan Cancer Support. Their impressive train inspired bale art bore the slogan ‘train to recovery’ in aid of those recovering from cancer. The impressive structure is located on the A701 between Leadburn and Howgate, by kind permission of the Marwick and Brown family.

Loch Lomond YFC - Marie Curie

Picking up third place were Loch Lomond YFC with their towering daffodil structure – the highly recognisable flower associated with their chosen charity Marie Curie. Their bale art display can be found at Geilston Farm as you come out of Cardross heading to Helensburgh!

Biggar YFC - Prostate Cancer UK

Three other clubs made the final six including Biggar YFC who dedicated their art to Prostate Cancer UK with two Scottish rugby players seen to be ‘kicking away cancer’. Timed fittingly with the Rugby World Cup – this creation can be spotted at Newbigging Mill Farm on the A721.

Harray YFC - CLAN

Also making the final six were Harray YFC, who dedicated their art to CLAN, a local cancer charity as well as raising awareness of breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease awareness and Well Child. You can spy the huge art display across from the Stoneyhill junction.

Callander YFC - Strathcarron Hospice

Callander YFC took the remaining finalist spot, supporting Strathcarron Hospice, whose work has meant a lot to some of their members. Be sure to check it out at The Meldrum Farm, Doune, before the bales are taken down this Sunday.