Scotland A team triumphed at the biennial five Nations Texel event, last weekend, to win the Drumgooland Shield.

The event, which attracted more than 50 young enthusiasts and breeders from across the UK and Ireland, was staged in Scotland and included flock visits and competitions.

On the first day of the trip they visited the Scrogtonhead flock by kind permission of the Gray family and the Clark's Garngour, Teiglum and Clarks flocks.

The competitions kicked off during these visits with guess the weight events at both farms. At Scrogtonhead the task was to guess the weight of the two stock rams, Fine Valley You Star and Elmscleugh Yardsman, while at Garngour young breeders estimated the weight of Knock Yardsman.

There was also a display of photographs to name previous Scottish National Texel rams sold.

"Both of Friday’s farm visits were a great way to start the weekend, with a great display of stock at both flocks and exceptional hospitality from both families," said Ailish Ross, youth development programme co-ordinator with the Texel Sheep Society.

Craig Wilsons' Ayr market was next on the list with a Highland Games event including welly wanging, toss the caber and tug of war as well as a relay race. This competition was separate from the remainder of the weekend’s events, with a combined Irish team taking first spot with 10,950 points and England second with 10,075, Wales were third 9525 and Scotland came fourth on 9200.

The group then relocated for a visit to Auldhouseburn, Muirkirk by kind permission of the Blackwood family which included viewing lambs by the 125,000gns Lanark topper Rhaeadr Best of the Best and the 130,000gns Lanark leader, Sportsmans A Star.

The same venue also staged a stock judging competition where the master judge was Gordon Gray of the Ettrick flock, Selkirk. The winner of this competition, Ryan Greene, Southern Ireland with 190 points, received two doses of Rhaeadr Best of the Best semen. James McKerrow, Nochnary, came second with his brother, David in third.

There was also an open class which was won by Kerr Jarvie, of the Duncryne flock, Muthill, Crieff.

"This event was a great chance for those attending to meet up and network and make new contacts with fellow enthusiasts for the breed. The weekend has been a huge success, allowing young breeders to come together in an informal, fun environment," concluded Ailish.