IT SEEMS that Highland cattle breeders have been taking the mickey out of poor Rosemary Hunter, from Shotts, Lanarkshire.

After an incident at home which necessitated the arrival of armed police – a problem soon resolved – her so-called friends had been pelting her with scoots from water pistols at last weekend’s Highland cattle sale, in Oban.

The only problem is, others have been caught in the cross-fire and toy shops in Oban were reportedly sold out of water pistols as others sought to defend themselves.

Particularly adept with his aim was none other than Rich ‘Dead Eyed Dick’ Thomson, who managed to hit an entirely innocent and unarmed Queenie Strickland between the eyes with one shot.

Let’s hope this infantile behaviour does not manifest itself at the next breed council meeting!

The show goes on

THE USUAL festivities at Oban were overshadowed this year by the absence of two long-time supporters of the breed and indeed the shenanigans thereof.

Both Angus MacColl, from Mull and Jimmy McConachie, from Speyside, had passed away since the spring sale and were sorely missed at the autumn event.

Many a toast was made to the two stalwarts who were well-known for not only breeding the very best of cattle, but also enjoying the craic that has always gone with being involved with Highland cattle.

Sometimes adversity brings out the best in farming people and a heifer from Angus was sold for 2000gns at the sale, with all proceeds going to the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow, which was added to the £1300 that a specially made stick by Archie Cameron, from Highland cow horn, was auctioned for on the Saturday evening, prior to the show on Sunday and sale on Monday.

A fitting response from all concerned.

Top Dog does Top Gun

(kind of)

QUITE AN adventure took place in the Lake District last weekend, when Jamie ‘Top Dog’ McFadzean, decided to do some water-skiing.

No, he hadn’t lost his marbles, this was, in fact, the result of a bet.

He and some acquaintances had been at a Cancer Research charity ball, when one of his companions, who shall remain anonymous, said that if he, Jamie, who has just celebrated his 50th birthday, and Neil Ramsay, went water-skiing, he would donate the first £1000 to a new charity that is being set up by another of the companions.

At first, Top Dog was affronted and said “nae chance”, however, it was to the delight of many when himself and Neil changed into wetsuits and life jackets in the morning - a picture I am sure many of you can imagine, but, perhaps, will try not to!

A great laugh was had by all of the men who went out on a boat to view the challenge, which was carried out successfully by the athlete that is Neil. Top Dog, on the other hand, could perhaps do with some tips from Tom Cruise next time, in order to complete the mission.

In the end, his sponsor was so impressed by the fact he managed to even bear the cold water of the lake, that the donation was made wholeheartedly.

Perhaps, next time, taking part in something less adventurous may be an idea, Jamie!