STIRLING SHOW'S already substantial sheep lines were bolstered by the inclusion of the Scottish National Texel Show, with secretary Jen Kinnear reporting that despite the ample provision already made for penning, the rush of last minute entries on the day had demanded some equally last minute construction work.

After a busy morning of judging, and the final wait for the nine sheep judges' points to be totted up, the day’s supreme sheep championship went to the Texel breed, in the shape of a gimmer by Clinterty Yuga Khan out of a ewe by Ettrick Van Gogh, shown by Errol shepherd Robert Cockburn.

The reserve sheep supreme went to Carse of Stirling farmer Robert Bryce, of Chalmerston, for his Suffolk champion, a three-crop ewe, by Cairnorrie Olympic Bolt out of a ewe by Cairnorrie Campbell, that was champion at Drymen, and interbreed champion at both Perth and Doune and Dunblane shows in 2017.

Amongst the strong showing of 'alternative' breeds like the Zwartbles and Hampshire Down, the Stirling sheep section introduced Scotland's first dedicated section for Poll Dorset sheep. Messrs D and D Rankine of Lochgelly took the inaugural championship, with the gimmer Stobilee Zooey, by well-known breed sire Galgorm Wilbur.

The numbers were lower in Stirling's cattle section, but the quality was still high, with big hitters like the Hornalls of Falleninch and the Grahams of Airthrey Kerse on show in the Charolais and Limousin sections respectively.

But it was the Simmental section champion that took the interbreed honours for Richard McCulloch, of Overhill House, Bathgate. His six-year-old bull Curaheen Drifter, by Curaheen Warrior out of Curaheen Via, brought out by stocksman Cammy Jackson, will next appear at the Royal Highland Show, looking to better last year’s reserve placing.

Reserve beef interbreed went to Stonebyres Minstrel, the British Blue section champion from the Comries of Stonebyres Mains Farm. This young bull, by Kersey Geronimo out of Stonebyres Jazz, was stepping up after a promising early show career around the calf shows.

Leading awards

Aberdeen Angus (Judge: I Campbell, Upper Huntlywood Farm, Earlston). Champion – S Dick, Mains of Throsk, Stirling, with Crew Lady Jasmine, a 22-month-old heifer by Netherton Fabulus Cruz out of Cregga Judy, that was senior AA champion at Stars of the Future. Reserve – R McNeill and J Rettie, Castle Hill, Doune, with Doune Castle Lola, an 11-month-old heifer by Tonley Evor and out of Carhurly Lustro, that was champion at Drymen. Bull – Brailles Livestock. Heifer – S Dick. Junior heifer – R McNeill and J Rettie.

Charolais (Judge: S Stronach, Maisley Farm, Keith, Banffshire). Champion – Miss J Hornall, Falleninch Farm, Stirling, with Falleninch Nigella, a junior heifer by Falleninch Imperator out of Falleninch Gabby,

Reserve – G Russell, Lesliepark, Denny, with rising two-year-old heifer Lesliepark Maggie, by Mandela Dylan out of Ballathie Iwasstuck, on its first time out. Junior heifer – Miss J Hornall. Heifer – G Russell.

Limousin (Judge: W Cruikshank, Clury Farm, Dulnain Bridge). Champion – R and J Graham, Airthrey Kerse, Bridge of Allan, with Graham’s Naomi, a 17-month-old heifer by Claragh Franco out of Graham’s Melody, that was also interbreed pairs champion alongside Graham's Melody. Reserve – R Dick, Mains of Throsk, with Stephick Mistique, a two-year-old cow by Rath Conville Eugene out of Ronick Boici. Senior bull – D McBeath and SJ Jessop, Greenyards. Bull, heifer, junior heifer – R and J Graham. Junior bull – I Nimmo, Bogside. Cow – S Dick.

Shorthorn (Judge: I Campbell). Champion – W Allan, Milton Lockhart Estate, Crossford, with his stock bull Balgay Journeyman, by Glenislay Zetter, that was native champion at Lesmahagow. Reserve – JP Ramsay, Millerston, Mauchline, East Ayrshire, with Millerston Irania Linnet, a yearling heifer by Meonhill Charlie Chaplin out of Millerston Irania Flame, that was reserve at Ayr. Senior bull, senior heifer, heifer – W Allan. Bull – A McDonald, Portwadoran, Arisaig. Junior bull – Eastmill Shorthorns, Doldy Farms. Junior heifer, pair – JP Ramsay.

British Blue (Judge: S Stronach). Champion – A and CS Comrie, Stonebyres Mains farm, Lanark, with Stonebyres Minstrel, a 16-month-old bull by Kersey Geronimo out of Stonebyres Jazz. Reserve – G Scott, Gateside Farm, Linlithgow, with Drumloan Lindsay, a two-and-a-half-year-old heifer by Twining Ash Vaughan out of Tweeddale Isla, that was West Fife beef champion. Bull, cow – A and CS Comrie. Heifer – G Scott.

Simmental (Judge: S Stronach). Champion – R McCulloch, Overhill House, Bathgate, with Curaheen Drifter, a six-year-old bull by Curaheen Warrior out of Curaheen Via, that will now be heading to the Highland. Reserve – R McCulloch, with yearling heifer Overhill House Hesse, by the champion bull Curaheen Drifter out of Raceview Romana, on its first time out. Bull, heifer, junior heifer – R McCulloch.

Hereford (Judge: I Campbell). Champion – Harvey Cattle, Balfron, with Harveybros Crocus P5, a 13-month-old heifer by Venture Nighttime out of Harveybros 1 Crocus J1, that was champion at Drymen. Reserve – Harvey Cattle, with Harveybros 1 Pablo, a yearling bull by Venture Nighttime out of Harveybros Crocus C4, that was reserve at Drymen. Bull, heifer – Harvey Cattle.

Highland (Judge: Ms L Lacey, The Horn Shop, Bew Lawers, Collin). Champion – C Cuthbertson, Jedderfield, Peebles, with Kate 7 of Jedderfield, a three-year-old heifer by Allt Ruadh of Crannich out of Kate 2 of Jedderfield, on its first time out warm up for the Highland Show. Reserve – C Cuthbertson, with Conachair of Jedderfield, a two-year-old heifer by Allt Ruadh of Crannich out of Conachair of Lagg, on its first time out. Senior heifer, heifer, junior heifer, pair – C Cuthbertson.

Cross cattle (Judge: R Aitken, Methvin, Perth). Champion – G Scott, Gateside Farm, with Tickle Me Fancy, a 16-month old home-bred Limousin cross heifer by Melbreak Hero out of a Limousin cross cow, on its second show outing. Reserve – J Hyslop, Balluskie, Barrhill, Ayrshire, with Sexy And I Know It, a thirteen-month-old Limousin cross heifer by Shire Apollo out of a Charolais cross cow, that was champion of champions at Dalry, and is now heading for the Highland and the Great Yorkshire. Continental sired bullock, heifer, pair – G Scott.

Any other breed (Judge: R Aitken). Champion – G and M Pye, Rednock Estate, Port of Menteith, with Rednock Lagerfeld Poll, a 26-month-old Salers bull by Rigel Munro Poll out of Rigel Chanel, on its first time out. Reserve – G and M Pye, with Rednock Molly, a 15-month-old heifer by Rigel Officer out of Rigel Muse, on its first time out before the Pyes head to the Highland. Bull, heifer – G and M Pye.

Blackface (Judge: R Paterson, Dunruchan Farm, Muthill). Champion – W and E Bennie, Merkins Farm, Gartocharn, with a £14k Glenrath yearling tup bought in Dalmally last year, by £50k Crossflat out of a ewe by an £85k Elmscleugh, that was reserve champion at Gargunnock. Reserve – A Campbell, Drimsynie, Lochgoilhead, with a ewe hogg, by a £25k Auldhouseburn sire out of a ewe by a £3k Achnamara, that was first-placed at Gargunnock. Ram, junior ram – W and E Bennie. Ewe, gimmer, ram lamb – A Campbell. Ewe lamb – A Robb, Townhead.

Bluefaced Leicester (Judge: C Napier, Burnhead Farm, Eddleston, Peebleshire). Champion – A Campbell, Drimsynie, with a ram lamb by the record-priced K20 Midlock out of a ewe by Marriforth Batman. Reserve – H Gray, Drumnessie, Banton, with a two-shear ewe bought at the in-lamb sale at Stirling from Firth, that was first-placed at Drymen. Ram, ewe – H Gray. Ram lamb, ewe lamb, gimmer – A Campbell.

Suffolk (Judge: J Kennedy, Lyonstone Farm, Maybole). Champion – R Bryce, Chalmerston, Stirling, with a three-crop ewe by Cairnorrie Olympic Bolt out of a ewe by Cairnorrie Campbell, that was champion at Drymen this year, and interbreed at Perth and Doune and Dunblane in 2017. Reserve – R Bryce, with a home-bred shearling ram by Sunnyhills X-Factor, that was first-placed at Drymen and Gargunnock. Ram, ram lamb, ewe, gimmer, ewe lamb – R Bryce.

Texel (Judge: R Blackhall, Balbridie, Durris, Banchory). Champion – R Cockburn, 2 Hill Cottage, Errol, with a gimmer by Clinterty Yuga Khan out of a ewe by Ettrick Van Gogh, that was first-placed at Lesmahagow. Reserve – Messrs Clark, Garngour, Lesmahagow, with a shearling ram by Knock Guardsman out of a ewe by Castlecairn Vavavoom, that was interbreed champion at Biggar as a gimmer. Aged ram, ewe, gimmer – R Cockburn. Shearling ram, ewe lamb – Messrs Clark. Ram lamb – K Johnstone.

Any Other Continental Sheep (Judge: J Kennedy). Champion – C and R Sutherland, Gartartan Farm, with a home-bred Charollais gimmer by an Artnagullion tup out of a home-bred ewe. Reserve – C and R Sutherland, with a five-year-old home-bred ewe, by a Rainbow tup, that was first-placed at Gargunnock and Drymen. Ram, ram lamb, ewe , gimmer – C and R Sutherland.

Shetland (Judge: G Meikle, Dunpender Road, East Linton). Champion – PD and A Playfair, Stichill Eastfield, Kelso, with Kaimknowe Mayfair, a white four-year-old ewe by Kaimknowe George out of Brae May, that was a multiple champion as a gimmer and ewe lamb. Reserve – J Steven, Rosebank, Midlothian, with Rosebank Rebecca, a white gimmer by Rosebank Orion out of Rosebank Kaisha. White ram, white ram lamb, coloured ewe lamb – PD and A Playfair. Coloured shearling, coloured champion, coloured ewe, white gimmer, coloured gimmer, white ewe lamb – J Steven.

Any Other Sheep Breed (Judge: J Kennedy). Champion – I and M Davidson, Balnacree Farm, Avonbridge, with Broomhillbank Van Percy, a two-shear Park-type North Country Cheviot ram, by Humbleheugh Osprey out of a Broomhillbank dam, on its first outing. Reserve – J Milne, Keirhead Cottage, Thornhill, with Ryeland gimmer Keirhead Xandra, by Bryn Caffo Tym out of a home-bred ewe. Ram, ram lamb, ewe lamb – I Davidson. Ewe, gimmer – J Milne.

Scotch Mule (Judge: C Napier). Champion – H Gray, Drumnessie, Banton, with a ewe lamb by a Cottage sire out of a home-bred ewe, on its first time out. Reserve – A Campbell, Drimsynie, with a pen of three lambs, all by home-bred tups, destined for sale at Kelso. Ewe in milk, ewe lamb – H Gray. Gimmer, pen of three ewe lambs, pen of three – A Campbell. Ewe with pair of lambs – W Adam, Shankhead.

Hampshire Down (Judge: G Galbraith, Endmoor Farm, Kendal). Champion – B and J Hill, Plan Farm, Kingarth, Isle of Bute, with Isle of Bute Pi, a one-crop ewe by Whitehead Crusader out of Isle of Bute Mairi. Reserve – B and J Hill, with Isle of Bute Romance, a gimmer by Yarcombe Pythagoras out of a Thorbeck ewe, that was first-placed at Ayr. Ram, ram lamb – R Brand and Son, East Fortune Farm, North Berwick. Ewe, gimmer, ewe lamb – B and J Hill.

Beltex (Judge: N McQuistin, High Airyolland, New Luce). Champion – I Reid, Isle Cottage , Methven, with Aviemore Wilma, a three-crop ewe by Artnagullion Topdog out of Aviemore Pepsi, that was interbreed champion at Kirriemuir last year. Reserve – Morton’s Beltex, Lochend, Denny, with a ram lamb. Senior ram, ewe, gimmer – I Reid. Ram, ewe lamb, ram lamb – Morton's Beltex.

Zwartbles (Judge: A Little, Maypark, Ballindalloch). Champion – Messrs McLaren and Baird, Greystone Cottage, Dunblane, with Greystone Cranachan, a two-crop ewe by Greystone Alan out of a Tardoes ewe, that was RHS champion in 2016. Reserve – K Shaikh, Thistledome, Glasgow, with a December-born ram lamb, by Brotherton Crawter out of Brockdene Duchess, that was first-placed at Drymen. Senior ram, gimmer – N Henderson, Stirling. Ram – B and H Gibson, Threeviews. Ewe – Messrs McLaren and Baird. Ewe lamb, ram lamb – K Shaikh.

Poll Dorset (Judge: Ms K Hodgson, Wasdale Head Farm, Cumbria). Champion – Messrs D and D Rankine, Kenilworth Terrace, Lochgelly, with Stobilee Zooey, a gimmer by Galgorm Wilbur out of Downkillybegs T774, on its first show outing. Reserve – A Morton, Stobilee farm, Lanark, with four-year-old ram Galgorm Wilbur, by Pembroke Timebomb out of Bencran K3, that was reserve at Carnwath last year. Ram, ewe lamb – A Morton. Shearling ram, ram lamb, ewe – J Royan, The Granary, Berwickshire. Gimmer – Messrs D and D Rankine.

Clydesdale (Judge: J Pollok, Speirs Avenue, Beith, Ayrshire). Champion – J Adamson, Easter Glentore Farm, Upperton, with Barlochlan Linda, a four-year-old yeld mare by Arradoul Balvennie out of Barlochlan Lucky Charm, that was champion of champions at Newmilns. Reserve – C Carrick, Easter Littleward Farm, Thornhill, with a yearling filly. Yeld mare – J Adamson. Yearling filly – C Carrick.