A Brilliant Day at the Holm Show for Wild Goats
The Wild Goat Conservation Trust made its first appearance at the 130th Holm Show in Newcastleton, using the event to raise funds, build public support and raise awareness of the unique wild goat herd of the Langholm and Newcastleton Hills.
Based in the craft tent, volunteers from the Trust sold branded merchandise and spoke with visitors from across the UK about the importance of conserving one of Scotland's oldest surviving wild goat populations. The Trust raised almost £400 profit during the day, with visitors expressing strong interest in the future of the herd and the challenges it has faced over the past 18 months.
Vice Chair and Secretary Gail Brown said: "What a fabulous day. Once again, the sun shone on the Holm Show and we were busy throughout. We met interested people from all over the country. I was particularly touched when a couple from York came over to chat and said they had heard about the troubles facing the wild goats and wanted to wish us well. It was heartening to see how widely the story has travelled and how much support there is for the goats." Julie Maxwell-Beatty of Langholm, who oversees the Trust's fundraising sales outlets, was delighted by the response, “I was over the moon with the support we received. We knew the Holm Show would be a great opportunity to meet people, but I had not expected quite so many visitors to stop, ask questions and contribute to our fundraising efforts."
A local farmer commented that the wild goats have been part of the character of these hills for generations and in his view have earned the right to stay.
Chairman of The Wild Goat Conservation Trust, David Braithwaite, paid tribute to the organisers of the show.
"The Holm Show remains one of the most important events in the local calendar and its continued success is down to the hard work and dedication of many people, particularly Liddesdale Agricultural Society Chairman and Secretary, David and Jenny Nixon. Every year seems to bring fresh challenges. This year, the show took place within a Bluetongue Control Zone, meaning that sheep showing, traditionally an important part of the event, could not go ahead. Nevertheless, the show attracted a tremendous turnout and maintained the spirit for which it is so well known." He added, "The response at the Holm Show shows that people care deeply about the future of these remarkable animals. Every conversation, every purchase and every donation helps us continue our work to support the conservation of a herd that is valued not only by local people but as part of Scotland's natural and cultural heritage."
"The support we received in Newcastleton gives us real confidence that the campaign to secure a future for the wild goats is gaining momentum. The message from the Holm Show was clear: people want to see these iconic animals protected for future generations and not shot out of sight."