John MacNeill of Greenhill with his champion Clydesdale mare
Photograph of John MacNeill of Greenhill with his champion Clydesdale mare in 1927.
Courtesy of Mr Ronnie MacLean
John MacNeill of Greenhill was photographed at the Agricultural Show at Scarinish in 1927 with his champion Clydesdale mare. Until the 1950s, crofting depended on draught horses for ploughing and transporting crops.
Clydesdales were introduced to Tiree around the 1870s by Tom Barr, the tenant of Balephetrish farm, and crossed with the local ponies. The resulting animals were comparatively light and fast and were occasionally ridden or driven in gigs.
Continued use of Clydesdale stallions resulted in Tiree becoming famous in the early 20th century for the production of this breed, with the sale of colts and fillies becoming one of the most important sources of income for the island.
Black and white photograph of a champion Clydesdale mare at the 1927 agricultural show.
Champion Clydesdale mare belonging to John MacNeill of Greenhill at the agricultural show of 1927, from a small photograph album from Silversands in Vaul titled 1927.