Judgement

Interestingly the Scottish Smallholders Festival felt smaller, despite being in a much bigger venue, this year. The move from the Forfar Mart to the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston, just outside Edinburgh, kind of makes sense (and is much closer to us), but...

It does favour the Central Belt, and also means they had to charge entry, plus charge parking (previously all free), and the date coincided with a number of big farmers markets. All combined to make it feel a bit swallowed, and with fewer stalls.

Sadly my walking stick didn't get a placing in the Novice class. But to be honest as soon as I saw the competition I knew there was no chance - my effort was somewhat 'rustic' (far right in the extra). However, the chickens performed much better, with a first place in the 'large fowl, three eggs, same colour' category (which was also Best in Class for all of the eggs!) and second place in the 'large fowl, three eggs, different colour' category.