New sponsorship for Point Show

The charity behind the Beinn Ghrideag community windfarm on the outskirts of Stornoway are backing the Point Show with £500 every year — money which organisers say will enable them to “plan effectively for the foreseeable future”.

The show, held for the first time in 2003, attracts a couple of thousand visitors and is being held this year on Saturday 16 July at Aird showground from 1pm, with the official opening at 1.30pm by Rhoda Macdonald.

Competitions are being held in 12 sections — including livestock, horse and pony, fruit and vegetables, baking, arts and crafts — with registration now available online.

Visitors will also be entertained by demonstrations, sideshows and games, stalls, raffles, Highland dancing, a pipe band, live music, a barbecue and teas and snacks.

Point and Sandwick Trust Chairman Angus McCormack said they were “delighted to be sponsoring Point Show”, adding: “The show is a key event in the islands’ calendar, attracting people from all over our islands and beyond. PST exists to help promote positive projects in the Point and Sandwick area. Our five-year sponsorship will ensure the show has security which will allow it to grow and prosper.”

Donald John MacSween, General Manager of Point and Sandwick Trust, added: “On a personal note, I recall the difficulty we had in getting the show initiative started up all those years ago. It took six public meetings before we were able to get a committee together but when we finally did it took off like wildfire!”

Referring to last year’s cancellation due to site issues, he said: “I am very pleased to see the show going ahead this year.

“The Point show is a major event in the calendar — not just for Ruadhachs but for the whole Western Isles. I hope the show, which is an important event for the community, continues to go from strength to strength.”

Iain Nicolson, Secretary of show organisers Point Agricultural Society, said: “Point Agricultural Society are pleased to welcome Point and Sandwick Trust as Point Show sponsor for a five-year period.

“This sponsorship will provide the show with stability during a time of transition.”

Pictured are Donald John MacSween, Iain Nicolson, Angus McCormack, Cameron Cranston (Point Show Treasurer) and Calum Macdonald (PST Project Director).