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Yes, The Peerie Neep has been and gone and a great day was had by all.

Our other Trondra correspondent should shortly be posting some photos taken by our visiting blogger and photographer Ruthodanort. She seems to get everywhere! Available to photograph your events at reasonable rates.

The 'sporting' nature of the day commenced with that now (after saturday) traditional Trondra event of Toss the Neep. Competititors ages from about 5 and up and vast distances were naturally achieved.

The bungee neep run required a large degree of determination and, lets not be coy about this, weight, to establish the winners.

This was followed by the customised wheelbarrow competition. Otherwise known as 'Pimp my wheelbarrow'. With no apologies to MTV. Space age special effects. Wheelbarrows then raced. Far more exciting than Formula 1.

Plenty of drink and food consumed over an otherwise leisurely afternoon and evening. All sitting outside in a circle yarning, drinking and watching the sun go down. Perfect. And then competition kicked off again at 9pm with a fiercely contested series of Tugs of war. Or should that be Tug of wars? We all worked up an appetite for the final battle of the day - the tattie bake bake-off. Competitors nervously lined up before the judges pronounced. I think some of the smiles and congratulations from the losers were a little forced. The winter months clearly will be spent perfecting recipes before next years event.

Next year - Oh yes. But even bigger and better. Start clearing your diaries.

A relaxing couple of hours winding down after supper - raffle, drinks etc etc.

Conclusion - perfect weather, perfect day.

A brief mention of the rowing has been mentioned on other blogs, but time perhaps to give a bit more info for the wider community.

We, Trondra Yoal Rowing Club, are organising the final points race of the season from the Scalloway Boating Club on the afternoon of Sunday 5th August.

Points races have been held in Collafirth, Bigton, Whalsay, Yell and Reawick so far this season.

Normal race distance is 1000 metres, and winning times generally fall between around six and a half to seven and a half minutes depending on wind and tide.

The Brae to Aith race has also been held, the winning time was around 1h 7m

Championships to be held on 11 August in Burra, plus a round Trondra race on 17 August.

Boats are based on the traditional Shetland Yoal - and are raced with a crew of six rowers taking one oar each, plus a cox. Boats come from communities around Shetland.

Categories raced are U16, U21, Open and veterans (over 40). Men and women.

Anything up to 10 boats are raced in each category.

The actual rowing is but one part on the event - they are great social events, involving plenty of yarning, eating and just a little bit of drinking. Purely to quench ones thirst after having been rowing, of course.

If you get the chance come along and watch, and even better, take the chance to go along to your local club and get involved.




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