Annual Bowhill scarecrow competition

16th September, 2013

For the fourth year running Bowhill House and Country Estate is searching for the best dressed scarecrow in the Borders as part of its annual Harvest celebrations.

The Country Estate has set the theme as ‘recycling’, providing some eco-friendly inspiration for those taking part.

It is urging participants from across the region to adopt a waste-not, want-not attitude when creating this year’s tattie bogles.

All the entries will be available to view at the Harvest Festival which takes place at Bowhill, the Borders home of the Duke of Buccleuch, on Sunday 22 September, from 12pm until 4pm.

The straw effigies will be displayed along the Estate’s walking trail around the loch and the winner will be decided by public vote. The creator of the best scarecrow will receive a £100 prize – double the amount that has been up for grabs in previous years.

Sarah Peat, Customer Services Manager at Bowhill House and Country Estate, said: “We are really looking forward to seeing this year’s scarecrows.  We always enjoy a great response from the local community and the quality and effort of the submissions is incredibly impressive.

“The entries seem to get better every year and we’re excited about the theme of the event as conservation and being eco-friendly is extremely important to us – especially in this Year of Natural Scotland.”

The Harvest Festival will include many other activities to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day. A local ceilidh band will play in the courtyard, and you can even try your hand at the tin can alley or turnip bowling.  This will also be the last opportunity of the year for members of the public to explore the beautiful House and gardens before the season ends on September 30.

To enter the scarecrow competition, download an entry form.

Entry to the Harvest Festival at Bowhill costs £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.