‘The Holm Show’ by Jean Palmer

At a meeting in Newcastleton His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch suggested the establishment of an Agricultural and Pastoral Society in Eskdale and Liddesdale. This Society was formed and their first Agricultural Show was held in 1833. A Show was held annually, alternately at Newcastleton and Langholm, until 1893 when the Liddesdale Agricultural Society was established. Thereafter a Show has been held annually at Newcastleton; there was a lapse of some years between the world wars but it was revived in 1948. It has been an annual event since then, with three exceptions, in 1952 and 1966 because of outbreaks of foot and mouth disease and in 1985 because of weather – the two Show fields next to the Auction Mart were waterlogged.

The Show is held on the last Saturday in August and there is great activity in the preceding week when stock pens and tents are credited for the various exhibits – and, of course, there are the tea and beer tents!

There are interests for all age groups and the ‘Holm Show’ is a day of family gatherings and of reunions with old friends – and it is a bonus if the sun shines.

A Sheep Dog Trial was held on the same day across the river at Whithaugh and a temporary bridge was built for easy access to the field. Since 1975 this event has been held on the Monday following the Show, at various venues at first, but it is now held annually at the Flatt Farm.