In a message dated 01/02/2004 04:28:34 GMT Standard Time, cookfmly@bigpond.com writes: > Finally, let's see who reads right to the bottom - in an attempt to > get some more regular contributions - the theme for February is > "Unusual stories from old newspapers about Bute or about my Buteshire > Ancestors"; I'm sure we all read to the end Peter! It would be great to increase contributions. In that spirit I'm copying below a report of a ploughing match from The Rothesay Journal of March 17 1853. I don't claim it is unusual but it does include quite a few names so perhaps there might be something to interest someone. My HILL/McFIE ancestors were farm workers on Bute around this time so I like to think events like these meant something to them. Here goes: "This match which was put off from time to time, owing to the continued frost, took place on Tuesday 8th curt at Cranslagmorie, North Bute. The day which threatened to be very wet in the morning cleared up by 10 o'clock when 40 ploughs took their places in the field exhibiting an array of beautiful animals and keen-spirited ploughmen, which as the day advanced showed by their work the marked progress which has taken place in agricultural matters on the island during bygone years. A large contingent of spectators were present. The youthful Marquis of Bute honoured the field with his presence, accompanied by his noble mother the Marchioness of Bute, Lady Adelaide Hastings, Mr and Mrs Hamilton of Kames etc A refreshment was ordered to each ploughman at his Lordship's expense after the labours of the day. The prizes were awarded as follows:- Judges, Messrs Wm HUNTER, Ettrick; Robert SIMPSON, Ascog; Robert McFIE, Ettrick; James M'ALISTER, Kilchattan; James BARR, Cranslagloan Senior ploughmen 1st Prize with Highland Society's Medal Hugh DUNCAN, Upper Scoulag 2nd Prize William STEWART, Kerrycroy 3rd Prize John LITTLE, Stravanan 4th Prize Thomas HAIG, Kilmory 5th Prize John PATON, Greenan 6th Prize Hugh CRAWFORD, Cranslagmorie Junior ploughmen 1st Prize James GLENDINNING, Westland 2nd Prize James M'INTYRE, Ambrismore 3rd Prize William MORRISON, Grenach 4th Prize Duncan CONNAL, Achiemore Best pair horses 1st Prize Thomas STEVENSON, Ardmalish 2nd Prize David CRAWFORD, Cranslagmorie 3rd Prize Alex. DUNCAN Birgidale (sic) Best brood mare 1st Prize David CRAWFORD, Cranslagmorie 2nd Prize Thomas STEVENSON, Ardmalish 3rd Prize Alexander DUNCAN, Birgadale (sic) Horse judges Messrs LOCHEAD, Toward; SPEIRS, Kilellan; McGREGOR, Castle Toward. Hope someone recognises a name, Regards Madeleine Wales