A CHAROLLAIS ewe from the Ingram family has just been awarded the inter-breed championship at the Royal Highland Show..

She was tapped forward for the supreme by Willie Sanderson, a commercial breeder who has helped out at the Highland for many a year and was enjoying a turn in the spotlight with his judging task.

The two-crop ewe, by Riverdale Noble and out of an 1800gns Southam ewe, made her show debut one to remember for Willie and Carole, together with Bruce, Amy and Gregor, who missed the championship as he was away home to look after the sheep at Logie Durno, Inverurie.

"She was a very correct sheep, being long and wide, and was very difficult to fault," said Mr Sanderson, an RHASS director for 28 years who also served as chief sheep steward.

The Charollais landed the Ingrams the Scottish Farmer Centenary Perpetual Trophy for being the best home-bred exhibit.

Taking the reserve honours was the traditional Bluefaced Leicester from Alan McClymont and sons, Sam and Oliver, from Selkirk. Their two-shear tup was bought at Kelso Ram Sales from John Dykes, Mendick, for £3200 in partnership with Philiphaugh Estate. He is by a Red Cottage tup.

And in second reserve was the North Country Cheviot leader from Roderick 'Rocket' Runciman's Allanshaws flock from Galashiels. The three-crop ewe, named Allanshaws Julie, is full of home-breeding, being by Allanshaws Panther and out of a home-bred ewe.

Also forward in the shortleet in the accredited ring were the Border Leicester, Hampshire Down, Zwartbles, Blue Texel and Texel champions, while the non-accredited shortleet included the Jacob, Scotch Mule, commercial, crossing Bluefaced Leicester and South Country Cheviot winners.

See the July 1 issue of The Scottish Farmer for the full report from the Highland Show, including pictures and reports on all the championships and leading awards.