Events in South Ronaldsay

South Ronaldsay and Burray Agricultural Show: a popular event for local farmers, communities and families that takes place early in August – https://www.orkney.com/events/south-ronaldsay-and-burray-agricultural-show and https://www.facebook.com/SouthRonaldsayBurrayAgriculturalSociety.

The Festival of the Horse and Ploughing Match: Also, early in August, we have one of Orkney’s unique occasions that is also a longstanding tradition. As ICH Scotland puts it: This is an agricultural festival tradition – believed to be unique to Orkney – which dates back to at least the early 19th century but may have its roots in Viking times. It takes place in August and, today, takes place at the Sands of Wright. Previously, it was based in a St Margaret’s Hope kailyard. Competitors use a small version of a traditional plough and are judged on the quality of their start, finish, and ploughing (keeping furrows straight and even). Check out: https://calendarcustoms.com/articles/boys-ploughing-match-festival-of-the-horse/ and http://www.orkneyjar.com/tradition/festivalofhorse.htm. A

Harvest Home. This festive period marks the completion of harvesting and has ancient pagan origins. In South Ronaldsay, it takes place in late October or early November. It, like the Agricultural Show, is organized by the South Ronaldsay and Burray Agricultural Society.