By David Carnduff

A NEILSTON tradition that has endured for almost 200 years has proved once again that its popularity is undiminished, despite the passage of time.

Crowds flocked to Neilston Agricultural Society’s 192nd annual show, which was packed with a range of events and exhibits that kept people of all ages entertained.

In a day that celebrated agricultural life, farmers came from near and far to put their finest animals on show in the hope of winning a cherished rosette.

There were sheepdog trials, heavy horses, showjumping, vintage tractors, crafts and a dog show that brought a record entry of 200 as pooches of all shapes and sizes vied for the top slots in pedigree and novelty categories.

The day started with a flourish as the traditional parade, led by Neilston Pipe Band, left from the leisure centre and made its way to the showground at Holehouse.

Warm, sunny weather helped swell the crowds as a full programme of events unfolded, with schools again playing a full part in the proceedings with tug o’ war competitions and relay races.

Society secretary Rita Kilian said the Educational Dome at the show proved very popular.

She added: “On show were Shetland ponies, donkeys, alpacas and piglets. The kids just loved seeing them.

A variety of organisations had exhibits and demonstrations in the dome.

“We also had shows from the likes of the Museum of Rural Life, near East Kilbride, and the Ayrshire Hand Spinners and Weavers.

“There was also a knitting mania display by Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire. We even had a display of old phones from the Darvel Telephone Museum.”

Society president Tom Thomson has thanked all those who helped to make the event such a success.