A record entry of Blackface sheep for the breed's National Show at Stirling Agricultural Centre, saw the championship in the largest section, awarded to a ewe from honourary president, Archie MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth.

Supreme in the South-type, which attracted no fewer than 268 entries from 46 exhibitors was a one-crop ewe from Archie and son John's 1600 ewe flock. She was champion at Dunblane and is by McIlroy, a tup bought privately in Northern Ireland from John and Charlie Harkin.

Reserve was the second prize winner to the champion, a three-crop ewe by a £90,000 Dalchirla from John Campbell and Sons, Glenrath, Peebles. Another top show winner, she was supreme overall at Peebles, last year.

A good entry of both North-type and North of England Blackies, saw the lead in the former go to a two-shear ram from Tom and Mairi Paterson and son Robert, Dunruchan, Muthill. Their show stopper, a £10,000 Auchnacloich, was bought at Stirling, last October.

Reserve was ewe lamb from David Baillie and Son's Calla flock by a 1000gns McAleer, bought at Ballymena last year.

A ewe lamb also topped the North of England-type for Jamie Murray and his father Angus, Sewingshields, Haydon Bridge. It is by a £9000 Wanwoodhill sire bought at Hexham in 2015. Just pipped at the post was a shearling ram by a £700 Chapelhouse from Kevin Ridley, The Steel.

For full report and pictures see this week's Scottish Farmer