Father and son duo Iain and Andrew Morris scored a hat-trick at a busy Caithness Show, staged this year at Thurso, winning their third overall champion of champions with a pedigree Charolais heifer from their small Olrig herd from Castletown.

Going all the way to first win the supreme cattle honours and then the overall champion of champions, was the 18-month-old Olrig Minny, an ET heifer bred from Blelack genetics, that was reserve senior female at the Stars of the Future last year and placed at the Highland, last month.

“There is just something very sweet about the Charolais heifer and she’s got a great body and length,” said John Bremner, the overall judge, and retired auctioneer from Harpsdale, Halkirk.

“She is an easy winner, but the reserve overall, the inter-breed sheep champion, is also a great animal.”

The heifer was competing against five other section winners to include the supreme sheep and horse, pig, poultry, and donkey.

It was another cracking day for relatively new North Country Cheviot breeder, Andrew Polson, Smerlie, too when he not only won the North Country Cheviot championship at Caithness and Sutherland Show – being staged the same day – but also the supreme sheep and reserve overall champion of champions.

Mr Polson, who owns the engineering company Enerquip, based in Aberdeen and Caithness, established his 150 North Country Cheviot ewe flock four years ago and went straight to top in the sheep lines a two-crop ewe by Durran Rover. She picked up the exact same award at Latheron, the previous week.

Overall sheep judge, Archie Hamilton, auctioneer at Lawrie and Symington’s Lanark centre, was most impressed by his top two sheep, and tapped out the lead Suffolk as his choice of reserve supreme. This was a two-shear ram from Kenneth Sutherland and sons Stephen and Kenneth, Stainland and Sibmister Farms that had been bought at the Kelso ram sales last year from Skelfhill for £3400.

“The North Country Cheviot is an outstanding example of the breed as she is correct in every way, but it is also a very, very good Suffolk. These two sheep were the two stand-out animals for me,” added Mr Hamilton.

Second reserve was the cross sheep champion, from regular winners, William Barnetson and sons James and William of Lynegar, Watten. This was a three-quarter-bred Texel cross Half-bred gimmer by a home-bred sire.

Lynegar also triumphed to win the inter-breed groups with a similarly-bred three-crop ewe with March-born Suffolk cross lambs, with the runner-up trophy going home with Andrew Polson, Smerlie, who first won the pedigree group of threes. This comprised of the champion Cheviot, it’s sire, Durran Rover and a gimmer daughter of Durran Rover.

Back amongst the cattle, and the overall judges, Anne McPherson and George McFadzean, found their reserve supreme in the Shorthorn best, Todholes Daisy Kirsty a senior heifer, from John Campbell and Co, Todholes, that was breed leader here last year.

The supreme horse, the Highland pony champion, also featured highly on Mr Bremner's listings, with this year's top ticket going to the Latheron Show winner from Natalie MacDonald, of Halkirk. Her seven-year-old dappled grey gelding, Braehillor King Duncan, was breed leader here last year and has already qualified for next month's Blair Horse Trials.

Runner up was the Clydesdale best, Michael and Jacqueline Munro’s Gersa Lady Lauren, a four-month-old filly foal, Newlands of Geise, from Gersa Croft.

LEADINGawards

Aberdeen-Angus (Judge: Ms A McPherson, Blackford, Croy). Champion and reserve – R Coghill, Meadowcroft, Dunn, with young bulls. Supreme was Dunn Proud Julius, a March 2017-born bull by the 2016 Highland Show winner, Idvies Collar, bred from Logie Panache, that was bought at the Logie reduction. Bought in utero, he was placed at the Black Beauty Bonanza. Reserve – R Coghill, Meadowcroft, with Dunn Proud Eugene, a similarly aged bull by Idvies Eugene out of a Logie Panache daughter of the champion's mother, which was also bought at the reduction sale. Eugene was fourth at the Black Beauty. All classes – R Coghill.

Shorthorn (Judge: Ms A McPherson). Champion and reserve overall cattle – J Campbell, Todholes, Thurso, with Todholes Daisy Kirsty, by Lowther Godwin, out of Ballylinney Daisy. She was champion here last year and this year she stood second in the Scottish Herds competition. Sole entry.

Highland (Judge: Ms A McPherson). Champion and reserve – Sheila Gillon, Lower Toftingall, Watten. Breed leader was Lulu of Aviedale, a two-year-old heifer by Angus 8 of Dunvegan out of Lucy of Lagg that was reserve reserve at Latheron. Reserve was Donald Rhuadh of Aviedale, a 15-month-old bull bred the same way as the champion and shown by Mrs Gillon's nephew, Malcolm McNaughton. All classes – S Gillon.

Any other pure native (Judge: Ms A McPherson). Champion and reserve – D, A and K Douglas, Achnamoine Farm, Watten, with Belted Galloways. Supreme was Croasdale Cherub, a 13-year-old cow bought in 2016 privately from James Nailer, shown with end of June-born bull calf. Runner up was last year’s champion here, Achnamoine Oreo, by Saltway Rebel. All classes – D, A and K Douglas.

Charolais (Judge: Ms A McPherson). Champion, overall cattle and overall champion of champions – J Morris, Olrig Mains, with Olrig Minny, an 18-month-old ET, bred from Blelack Jenny and sired by Blelack Blackberry. She was reserve senior female at the Stars of the Future and placed at the Highland Show, last month. Sole entry.

Simmental (Judge: Ms A McPherson). Champion and reserve – J and J Gunn, Mavsey, Lybster. Champion was Mavsey Dancer, a six-year-old cow by Popes Laird, out of Mavsey Pride that was overall cattle champion here in 2016. Her calf at foot, Mavsey Jazz Dancer, a January-born heifer by Jaergergaard Istanbull that stood second at Latheron, was reserve champion. All classes – J and J Gunn

Commercial cattle (Judge: G McFadzean, Woodhead of Mailer, Perth). Champion – G Begg, Vauldale, Nybster, with Double or Quits, a mid January-born black heifer calf by a Limousin cross British Blue bull bought privately from Ainstable Hall, out of a British Blue cow. Half sister to Louise Allan’s Lady Boss, Double or Quits was commercial champion and reserve overall at Latheron and champion at Canisbay. Reserve – R Mackay, The Croft, East Markle, with a four-month-old Limousin cross Charolais home-bred heifer calf on her first outing. She is by Lodge Hamlet and bred from a Charolais cross cow by Allanfauld Vagabond that was champion here in 2010. Heifer in calf or in milk – G Douglas, House Park, Bower. Heifer stirk – B Douglas, House Park. Steer calf born 1/10/17-31/01/18 – K Sutherland, Dunbeath Farms. Heifer calf born 1/10/17-31/01/18 – G Begg. Heifer calf born after 1/02/18 – R Mackay. Steer calf born after 1/02/18, pen of three calves – C Mackay, The Croft, East Murkle.

Cattle young handlers – Champion – Shayne Mackay, East Murkle.

Clydesdale (Judge: D Walker, Galcantray, Cawdor). Champion and reserve horse and reserve – MW and JL Munro, Gersa Croft, Newlands of Geise with a foal and mare duo. Supreme was the four-month-old filly foal, Gersa Lady Lauren by Arradoul Balvenie, out of the reserve champion, West Glen Apple Blossom, by Collessie Stepping Down out of West Glen New Dawn. The foal was reserve at Latheron while her mother was champion at Latheron. All classes – MW and JL Munro.

Highland pony (Judge: Mrs Sylvia Ormiston, Gelderside, Balmoral Estate, Aberdeenshire). Champion and supreme horse – Natalie MacDonald of Bridge Street, Halkirk, with last year's champion, the seven-year-old grey gelding, Braehillor King Duncan, bred by Jasmine Grant. He is by Belivat Muldonach, out of Goldie of Whitefield, and was champion at Latheron last week and has qualified for Blair, 2018. Reserve – J Macleod of 6 Upper Dounreay, Thurso, with Briar Rose of Park View, a four-year-old yeld mare that was reserve here last year. Senior gelding – N MacDonald. Yeld mare – J Macleod. Ridden – A Henderson, Halkirk.

Shetland pony (Judge: Mrs E Carlyle, Beechfield Lane, Johnstonebridge, Lockerbie). Champion – Sisters E and S Dunnet, Lynfield, Lyth, with the five-year-old yeld mare, Anya of Auckhorn, by Eynhallow Majestic, out of Abby of Auckhorn. She was reserve here last year. The duo also picked up the reserve honours with Octavia of Auckhorn, a three-year-old filly by the same sire. Mare with foal, foal – W and K Campbell, Midcalder. Two/three-year-old filly, yeld mare – E and S Dunnet. Gelding, young handlers – B and J Swanson, Framside, Calder. Miniature gelding and supreme miniature, coloured – N Sutherland, Dwarwick Place, Dunnet. Ridden – D Sinclair, Toftcarl, Thrumster.

Donkey (Judge: D Walker, Galcantray, Cawdor). Champion – R Streight, Tardree House, Thrumster, with Patrick, a 12-year-old gelding, bred in Ireland and owned by Mr Streight for the past 10 years. Champion here last year. Sole entry.

Border Leicester (Judge: J Lamb, Connonside, Ayr). Champion – A Miller and Sons, Aimster, Thurso, with a home-bred two-shear ram by Ditton Hitman. The same home also lifted the reserve with a home-bred gimmer by Lammermuir Star. All classes – A Miller and Sons.

Suffolk (Judge: Ms Yvonne Spence, Gowanbrae, Skye of Curr). Champion and reserve overall sheep – Messrs Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland Farms, with a two-shear ram bought at Kelso from Skelfhill for £3400 last year. He was the top priced unregistered Suffolk shearling at Kelso and is by a £1700 Allanshaws. Reserve – A Brims, Thuster Mains, Wick, with a home-bred one-crop ewe that was first at the Black Isle, last year. She is by Essie Usain, a tup bought privately three years ago and out of a home-bred ewe. Aged ram – Messrs Sutherland. Shearling ram, tup lamb, gimmer, ewe lamb – B Swanson, East Murkle. Ewe – A Brims.

Half-bred (Judge: J Lamb). Champion – I Miller, Buckies, Thurso, with an April-born ewe lamb by an Aimster ram bought at Quoybrae, out of a bought-in North Country Cheviot ewe. Reserve – A Miller and Sons, Aimster, Thurso, with a home-bred three-crop ewe by a home-bred sire. Ewe – A Miller and Sons. Gimmer – A Campbell, Glencroft, Glengolly. Ewe lamb – D Miller.

Prime lambs (Judge: R Henderson, Barryhouse, Glenbarry, Banff). Champion – John Campbell and Co, Todholes, Thurso, with a pen of two April-born Texel cross ewe lambs weighing 43kg. One was by a Cambwell sire with the other by a Knock ram. Reserve – J Morris, Olrig Mains, with a pair of two home-bred Suffolk cross lambs. Two NCC or Hb lambs, two Suffolk cross lambs – J Morris. Two Texel cross lambs, two any other continental cross lambs, two any other native cross lambs – J Campbell and Co. Two novice native cross untrimmed lambs – AM Douglas, Achnamoine. Two novice continental cross untrimmed – K Gunn, Shop Farm, Scotscalder.

North Country Cheviot (Judge: I Macleay, Armadale, Thurso). Champion, inter-breed sheep, reserve overall champion of champions and crofters champion – A Polson, Smerlie, with a home-bred two-crop ewe that was champion and supreme sheep at Latheron. She is by Durran Rover and out of a Biggins-bred ewe bought at Quoybrae. Reserve – DN Campbell and Sons, Bardnaclavan, with a home-bred two-crop ewe by Cairnside Royal Mail, out of a home-bred ewe. She was first and reserve female at the Highland as a ewe lamb. Aged ram and male champion, shearling ram – DN Campbell and Sons. Tup lamb – A Gunn, Upper Dounreay, Reay. Ewe – A Polson. Gimmer – J and W Mackay, Biggins, Wick. Ewe lamb – Castle of Mey Trust, Longoe Farm, Mey.

North Country Cheviot groups (Judge: I Macleay). Champion – A Polson, Smerlie, with the two-shear ram, Durran Rover, the breed champion and a home-bred gimmer also by Durran Rover.

Cheviot hill sheep (Judge: G Macleod, Ardgay, Bonar Bridge). Champion – Castle of Mey Trust, Longoe Farm, Mey, with an April-born ewe lamb by Heathmount Patrick, out of a ewe by Longoe Ptarmigan. Reserve – WM Sutherland, Brackside, Reay, with a previously unshown home-bred two-shear ram by the £10,000 Brackside Special Blend out of a ewe by Attonburn Muscle Man. Ewe, two-shear ram, shearling ram – WM Sutherland. Gimmer – Mill House, Stainland, Thurso. Ewe lamb, tup lamb – Castle of Mey Trust. Aged ram – DN Campbell and Sons, Bardnaclavan.

Blackface (Judge: R Baynes, Blackford, Croy). Champion and reserve – Sandra Sutherland, Bennachie, Harpsdale, Harpsdale, with a lamb and mother daughter. Champion was a ewe lamb by a Chamberwells sire bought last year as a tup lamb, privately from Elizabeth Johnston and reserve being a Chamberwells-bred ewe also bought privately from Elizabeth Johnston. Ewe, ewe lamb – S Sutherland. Gimmer, tup – DA and K Douglas, Achnamoine. Tup lamb – TH Elder, Portormin Road, Dunbeath.

Any other native sheep (Judge: R Baynes). Champion and reserve – M MacDonald, Ackron, Forsinard, with South Country Cheviots. Supreme was a ewe lamb by a Chatto tup bought at Lockerbie in 2014 out of a Skelfhill-bred gimmer that was reserve at the show. Ewe, gimmer, ewe lamb, tup, tup lamb – M MacDonald. Shetland – AM Douglas, Achnamoine.

Lleyn (Judge: R Baynes). Champion and reserve – J Campbell and Co, Todholes, Thurso. Champion was a previously unshown home-bred three-crop ewe by Fort Cassanova with the reserve honours going to an April-born ewe lamb by a Johnston ram bought at Carlisle. All classes – J Campbell and Co.

Commercial sheep (Judge: K Houston, Skelbister, Orkney). Champion and inter-breed group champion – W Barnetson and Sons, Lynegar, with a three-crop Texel cross Half-bred ewe that was section champion here in 2017 and 2016. She was again shown with March-born Suffolk cross lambs by a home-bred sire at foot. Messrs Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland Farms, with a Cheviot Mule ewe with March-born Texel cross lambs at foot by a home-bred sire. Cheviot with Half-bred lambs – A Miller and Sons. Mule with lambs – Messrs Sutherland. Any other breed with lambs – W Barnetson and Sons.

Cross sheep (Judge: R Henderson, Barryhouse, Glenbarry, Banff). Champion and second reserve inter-breed sheep – W Barnetson and Sons, Lynegar, with a home-bred three-quarter Texel gimmer by a home-bred sire, out of a home-bred Texel cross Half-bred ewe on her first outing. Reserve – Messrs Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland Farms, with a previously unshown seven-eighths Texel four-crop ewe.

Texel sheep (MV accredited). (Judge: R Blackhall, Raemoir, Banchory). Champion – Amy Gunn, The Shiean Hill of Forss, with a one-crop Milnbank-bred ewe bought at the Thainstone Christmas Classic last year for 2700gns from Robbie Wilson. She is by Glenside Wildboy and out of a ewe by Teiglum Tornado. Reserve – Amy Gunn with a tup lamb by Arkle Ying Yang bred from Lower Reiss-bred gimmer by Knock Vantastic, bought privately. Ewe, tup lamb – A and A Gunn. Gimmer – DN Campbell and Sons, Bardnaclavan. Ewe lamb, aged ram – Messrs Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland Farms. Shearling ram – J Forbes, Boultach.

Texel (Non-MV) (Judge: R Peterkin, Barnyards, Beauly). Champion – J Coghill, Burnside, Huna, with Lower Reiss Wildcard, a three-shear ram bought at Dingwall as a shearling ram from his breeder, Douglas Webster. He is by Garngour Nobleman, out of a ewe by Knock Vantastic and was champion at Canisbay. Reserve – E Simpson, Cairnside, Oldhall, with a previously unshown ewe lamb by a Maineview sire bought at Lanark out of a ewe by a Claybury sire. Ewe, ewe lamb – E Simpson. Gimmer, aged ram, shearling ram, tup lamb – J Coghill.

Any other continental (Judge: Ms Yvonne Spence). Champion – Do Spence, Hillside, Killmister, with the three-shear Beltex ram, Gregors Apollo, bought at Thainstone as a shearling ram. He was first here last year. Reserve – Amy Gunn of The Shiean Hill of Forst, with a Beltex ram lamb. Ewe, gimmer, tup – D Spence. Ewe lamb – DA and K Douglas, Achnamoine Farm. Tup lamb – Amy Gunn.

Sheep young handlers (Judge: A Hamilton, Lanark). Champion – Sophie Gunn, The Shiean Hill of Forss. Reserve – Charley Sutherland, Sinclair. Senior – 1, Charley Sutherland; 2, Cameron Coghill; 3, Abbie Gunn. Junior – 1, Sophie Gunn; 2, Katie Gunn; 3, Coby Budge.

Goats (Judge: Ms Diane Meikle, East Mey). Champion – R Harold, Ambervale, Reiss, with Burnside Lucy, a four-year-old British Saanen in milk bought from Brenda Scott, Ballindalloch as a goatling and shown by Janice Ross and reserve with her three-month-old daughter, Ambervale Dorothy, by Humphrey. All classes – R Harold.

Pigs (Judge: J Foubister, Forss). Champion – A Hewitson, Lhaid, Watten, with Curly, a two-year-old Kunekune pig bred by Garry and Cheryl McIntosh, Drumnadrochit and reserve with Snorty, a similarly aged and bred pig. Sole entries.