– In 1976, a £6000 Blackface ram was part of a court action after it was claimed it had sired no lambs.

It was the top price at Newton Stewart two years earlier but there was surprise six months later when the sherriff ruled the ram was fit for purpose finding favour with the defendants.

– Fatstock sales switched to metric measurements from the start of 1977.

– It was announced the RH and AS and NFU Scotland were investigating a joint office block at the Royal Highland Showground. The first salaried NFU president was announced as Michael Burnett, from Pulrossie Farm on the Skibo Estate.

– The Clydesdale Horse Society celebrated its centenary at the National Stallion Show at Scotstoun, in 1977, with an overall championship, which was awarded to Willie Murdoch, Balgreen, for his 10-month-old filly Balgreen Dollar Princess.

– In 1978 the UK joined the EEC, but Britain's farmers found themselves poor relations in the EEC farming family.

– That same year, NFU Scotland's chief executive, Harry Munro, retired after 28 years at the helm.

– Spring blizzards caused an estimated 21,000 ewes and 800 breeding cows to be lost. A fund was set up to help farmers and almost £100,000 was raised.

– The first farm computer course was held in Perth, organised by Donald Mair of the Agricultural Training Board. It was explained that the costs of being 'computerised' could be recovered because of the more effective management leading to increased profitability.