The picture shown here of drill ploughing at Drummore Farm, Munlochy in the 1930s, depicts a scene that had changed little since the 1830s

Before Clydesdales were available, garrons or oxen pulled the plough.

By the end of the 18th century some of the go-ahead farmers near Avoch had discarded the old wooden Scots plough and had begin to use the more efficient light plough, which had its essential parts made of iron.

In the Highlands up to that time, ploughing involved a team of 4 garrons yoked side by side, and at least three men. One man held the handles (stilts), the driver walked backwards in front of the the garrons, striking them to urge them on, while the third man followed with a spade to upturn any divots the plough had missed.

Stoppages on rough stony ground were frequent and only about half an acre per day was ploughed.

Smalls light chain plough - invented in 1763. This plough, along with the reaper, were Scottish inventions

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Ploughing matches

Rod Maclean, Badrain at Acaig, 1920s - one horse-power

At Rosskill, Munlochy, 1996. Two hundred horse-power!

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Recent additions - see what has been added to the site in recent months.....

Local minister fined for stealing the harvest at Avoch

Why did fishermen of Avoch use Clydesdale horses?