Ploughing on Mossgiel

It can be argued that Burns wrote his best poetry during his Mossgiel period, 1784 -1786, and that he formed many of his rhymes while working in the fields, ploughing and such. Recreating this whole image on Sunday 29th March. Mauchline Burns Club held a Ploughing Match, with a dozen teams of horses and ploughmen exercising their skills more or less the same way and on the same ground that the Bard had ploughed. Courtesy of the long term Tennant
This was a magnificent spectacle and festival, the weather was kind if a little windy, but this is Mossgiel, the Clydesdales strained, the ploughmen toiled, and the furrows followed. They ploughed plots of 50 x 15 yards, and took around 5 hours to complete, now these Clydesdales are larger than Burns horses, and he ploughed around an acre a day with a much heavier wooden plough. The crowds turned out to enjoy the spectacle, the stalls and attractions in the adjacent field, ancient farm implements, historic tableau of various eras, stalls selling all manner of traditional goods and food. I enjoyed the porrige in the morning and the haggis for lunch, and generally had a great day. I spoke to a couple of the ploughmen who were thrilled to be trying their hand in front of the large crowd, and particularly on the same fields that Burns had ploughed. A great day for all participants and spectators. A magnificent anniversary occassion by Mauchline Burns Club. Look forward to more great events from in Mauchline.