About Us
In 1808 George the 3rd sat on the throne and Scotland was only a few decades into a revolutionary new system of agriculture, using enclosures managed by a farmer as we would recognise today, rather than the communal run-rig system that had been used for centuries.
It was at this time that the Biggar Farmer's Club held it's inaugral meeting. Originally a networking group in modern business speak the Club met to discuss and learn the latest farming techniques as the technology explosion of the Industrial Revolution got underway.
The Club held it's first Show in 1820, 'upon the Street of Biggar', and exhibited only cattle classes. As the years passed by the Show soon held all the hallmarks we recognise today as a successful Agricultural Show; exhibition and judging of stock, trade stands and main ring entertainment.
In 1895 the Scotsman described Biggar Show; 'There is no more popular agricultural gathering in the south of Scotland', no doubt impressed by Miss Kitty King parachuting into the Show from her Hot Air Balloon that year! Following the formation of the Young Farmers in 1943 the first Show Dance was held in 1947, launching another staple of the show.
The Club has had it's home at 'The Showfield' on the northern edge of Biggar since 1890 except when the field was cropped for 7 years as part of the WW2 war effort. The Club bought the 14 acre field in 1921 for £750 (£31,000 equivalent in 2014).
Now in it's 3rd Century the Club remains committed to the showcasing of all that is good about Agriculture in Lanarkshire on the 2nd last Saturday of July for many years yet.