CARLUKE YFC were crowned the winners at last weekend’s West Regional Talent Spot – much to the delight of a packed crowd at the SEC Armadillo. Their performance of 'Big, Blonde and Beautiful' - produced by Mhairi Lake, scored them a grand total of 87 points.

The annual competition – a firm favourite in the SAYFC calendar – brings together representatives from young farmers teams from all four districts; to compete in a showcase performance, where creativity is encouraged and marks are awarded in areas such as entertainment value, costumes and choreography and variety.

Teams are marked out of 100 and points can be deducted for the slightest of time penalties, making for an exciting competition. On Saturday, the decision over the winner came down to the wire – with Carluke taking the win by only a third of a point, with their 87-point tally.

Runners-up were Beith and District YFC with their performance ‘The Big Top’ – produced by Anne Gilbert and Vickie Shepherd – they were narrowly pushed in to second place with a total of 86 2/3 points. Third place went to Lesmahago YFC with 86 points with their performance of ‘Nopunintendo’ – produced by Laura Smith.

A total of nine teams competed on the night, two per district and one Wild Card chosen by independent judges, which this year paid off, with Lesmahago qualifying as the Wild Card winner.

The judging panel comprised of RHASS chairman and founder of the West Talent Spot 51 years ago, Jimmy Warnock, Past East Chairman and East Fife winning cabaret producer, Anna Dickson and Hanna McElena who owns a dance and theatre school in Ayr. Sponsors and presenting the trophies on the night were Scotmin Nutrition.

Other big prizes on the night were awarded for the best individual and reserve best act, voted for by the audience.

On his 10th year competing in the West Regional Talent Spot competition, Bobby Landers of Wigtownshire YFC was thrilled to win best act:

“I was absolutely delighted to win best act when there was so much talent on display. I didn’t really think I was in with a chance to be honest,” he continued. “This is actually my last year competing, so it’s a really nice way to finish off my talent spot career and I think it’s my tenth year competing.”

Bobby’s winning act saw him play ‘Dougie’ the singing bank robber: “It was my singing that ended up getting me caught in the end, “laughed Bobby.

Reserve best act was awarded to Carolann Barrie of Biggar YFC for her singing performance and Front of Curtain winners were Loch Lomond YFC trio Nicole Kinloch, Anna Mackenzie and Sam Penrice, with a sketch on days gone by using DVD titles.