Judge Joyce Campbell, Armadale, was "blown away," with the quality of stock put forward at the Lairg Hill Cheviot show at Lairg, where she found her champion in a two-crop ewe, shown by Hughie MacKenzie, Badanloch.

Commenting on the event which again attracted a good turnout of exhibitors and spectators, she said: "It was a great show of sheep all through, but the ewe class was particularly strong. Any of the top six ewes could have been worthy winners – the champion just had that little bit extra.”

Taking that prized accolade was a daughter of North Loch Naver Nomad, out of a home-bred, Badanloch ewe.

Badanloch Estate, Kinbrace, which is managed by Hughie MacKenzie picked up several of the top awards. This included the reserve male honours with a home-bred trimmed shearling, while Hughie and his wife Jan, who run their own flock at Langdale, Strathnaver, Kinbrace, lifted the male championship with a tup lamb by Inkstack Sweep.

The breeders of Sweep, Leslie and Tina Robertson, Inkstack, Barrock, were also in the tickets, taking the blue and white sash amongst the females with a trimmed gimmer.

It was also a great night for young Dhaill MacKay (6), West Greenland, who not only won the junior young handlers but also the overall in the section.

LEADINGawards

Aged ram – G MacLeod. Two-shear trimmed ram, two-shear natural ram, trimmed shearling ram, trimmed ewe, maiden ewe, trimmed gimmer – Badanloch Estate. Natural shearling ram, ram lamb – Langdale. Natural ewe, black female – Millhouse. Natural gimmer, ewe lamb – Inkstack.

Young handlers – Junior – Dhaill MacKay (6) West Greenland. Senior – Aimee MacKay, Millhouse.