STRATHARDLE Show basked in sunshine as the judges of each of the five stock sections awarded points to their choice of champion of champions, which initially resulted in a tie before the cattle champion took the top honours ahead of the North-type Blackface. 

The cattle section welcomed increased entries on the year, and Grant Laing, Gaich, Grantown, awarded the tri-colour ticket to an April-born Limousin cross heifer from the Simpson family – Bob and children, Ruby, Charlie and Lough – of Mains of Creuchies. 

Just pipped to the post was the North Blackie leader, a two-crop ewe by a £9500 Haughton from Dave Nicol's Viewmount flock in Glenisla, which also secured the overall Blackie and best breeding sheep titles. 

She beat the South-type champion, another two-crop ewe but this time by a £1100 Dullatur from Dave and Mark Simpson, Sidlaw. 

There was plenty for Davie and Elizabeth Stewart to celebrate when Texel crosses from Mains of Dalrulzion led in the cross breeding sheep and prime lamb sections. Their winner of the former was a three-quarter Texel gimmer by a Scrogton sire, while their champion pair of prime lambs were also three-quarter Texels by a Scrogton sire and tipped the scales at 44kg apiece.

See the September 2 issue of The Scottish Farmer for the full report, leading awards and photos of the section leaders.