EXHIBITORS from the North-east and beyond are putting the finishing touches to their livestock ahead of the 25th Christmas Classic, at Thainstone, next week, where some £16,000 of prize money will be up for grabs. 

The annual event, organised by Aberdeen and Northern Marts in conjunction with the Aberdeen Fatstock Association, welcomes an array of pedigree and commercial cattle and sheep and this year is proving to be no exception with strong entries across the boards. 

It all kicks off on Monday, November 27, with the judging of the cast sow competition followed by an increased entry of pedigree female sheep. This includes 140 Texels, 60 Suffolks, 50 Beltex, 15 continentals and five Charollais which will see Keith Hourston, from Skelbister, Orphir, place the Texels; Robbie Innes, Crossburn, Keith, judge the Suffolks; and Rory Machray, from Bilboa, Daviot, in charge of the Beltex section. Judging will commence at 2pm with the sale following on at 4pm, and an addition to this year’s pedigree offering is the dispersal of JS Youngson’s Westerton flock of Texels.

ANM’s sheep sales manager, Colin Slessor, said: “It is fantastic to see such a great selection of female sheep entered in this year’s Christmas Classic, having built on 25 years of continued success of this prestigious event in the livestock calendar. We are delighted with the exceptional quality on offer and a record-breaking 270 entries forward.” 

Also taking place on the Monday evening, will be the judging of the Young Farmers’ entries of cattle and sheep, where Jamie Scott, of John Scott Meats (Paisley) will be in charge of awarding the prizes. As if that’s not enough on the Monday night, Wilson Peters, Monzie, Crieff, will be placing the entries in the Rising Stars calf show. 

The busy schedule continues on Tuesday, November 28, with the morning’s judging of unhaltered prime cattle by Ian Sim, from Kincraig, Brechin, starting the proceedings at 8.30am. With no fewer than 60 cattle entered, these will be judged by James and Ross Allan, of Malcolm Allan, Larbert, while the 140-strong prime lamb competition will be judged by Sam Carlisle, of Border Meats, Lockerbie. 

There will be more pedigree stock on offer when 13 Limousin, 10 Charolais, nine Simmentals, one Salers and three Aberdeen-Angus bulls are judged by W Stewart, Greenfold, Bridge of Marnoch, before going under the hammer.

Timetable of events

Monday, November 27

  • 11.30am    Judging of cast sow competition
  • 2pm    Judging of pedigree Texel, Suffolk, and Beltex female sheep
  • 4pm    Sale of pedigree Texel, Suffolk, and Beltex female sheep
  • 6pm    Judging of Young Farmers’ sheep
  • 6.15pm    Judging of Young Farmers’ prime cattle, followed by Rising Stars calf show

Tuesday, November 28

  • 8.30am    Judging of unhaltered prime cattle and judging of prime sheep
  • 9.30am    Judging of haltered prime cattle
  • 11.30am    Judging of pedigree beef bulls
  • 12.30pm    Parade of bulls, Rising Stars and prime cattle
  • 1.30pm    Presentation of prizes followed by sale of prime cattle and sheep, starting with cattle 
  • 2pm    Sale of pedigree beef bulls
  • 7pm    Young farmers and open stockjudging