Winter Droving.

The early part of the day was as usual for a Saturday,off to the Lodge to prepare for this weeks guests. Then home for a while before setting off into town by way of the Bird's Bistro.   We were heading into town for the winter droving.

Arriving a little early we had a cuppa in Sainsbury's and then wandered along to our favourite stance on the corner of Queen Street.  The winter droving began 4 years ago as part of the festivities running up to Christmas.  There are food stalls, craft stalls,live music, a fun fair, various other attractions and the procession which is what we go for.

The procession seems to get longer and better each year.  It is based round the old days when animals were moved by drovers walking them from place to place.   So the theme is basically animals and birds.  There are huge animal shaped lanterns in the shape of sheep, cows ,horses, pigs, geese etc   Also there are pedestrians wearing masks and carrying torches and other mobile displays.  One clever hap has a "bike" (for want of a better word with a "piano" and he pretended to play music (but I think it was canned).  The interesting point was the bike moved forward due to his pedalling backwards while siting facing at right angles to the direction of travel.

The shot is a sheep's head which lead the procession.