| Where: | Isle of Barra at Castlebay Bar, Castlebay Hotel |
| When: | A Sunday in mid August |
| Time: | 2pm onwards |
Each August the islanders of Barra and Vatersay compete for glory and trophies at the annual contest for growing and decorating potatoes. There are classes for washed potatoes in which the variety and growing place must be stated (a great chance for inter-island rivalry)with points given by the judges for looks and taste, and classes for best decorated potatoes, which leads to all manner of inventive entries from adults and children alike! The competition has been a highlight of the local calendar for over twenty years and was unsurprisingly dreamed up in the local bar; it’s also known as the “spud olympics” and the intrepid growers must overcome challenges from wind and weather to produce fine specimens. Entries must be submitted on the Saturday ready for the big day on the Sunday, when the results are announced and there are various appropriately themed activities, games like potato throwing, plenty of music, food and drink and a family-friendly atmosphere. And bagpipes- it’s Scotland after all!
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it was on Sunday August 10th- 2026 date is yet to be confirmed.
Click here for the event’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/barraandvatersaypotatocompetition?locale=en_GB
Thanks to Zoe Avison for drawing this one to my attention!
Photo by Hai Nguyen on Unsplash
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