The 75th celebrations of the North Country Cheviot Sheep Society are on hold due to Covid-19, but achievements of the breed and the society have not been forgotten.
The society was formed in 1945, with Volume 1 of the flock book recording 59 members. Now, however, that figure has risen to 550 members from as far north as John o’ Groats to Lands End in the south as well as Orkney, Mull, Lewis and Harris and Ireland.
Society president in 1945 was the late George Clyne, of Noss, who had also been involved in the original formation of the North Country Cheviot Breeders Association in 1912. He continued to support the breed throughout his life, being president of the society three times, before being made honorary president.
Renowned for their maternal abilities, the breed is able to produce an impressive return crop ‘straight from the field’, a fact, which has no doubt been a huge factor in the Northie’s increased popularity in recent times.
Some strong North Country Cheviot lambs proving their worth
Today’s market also demands finished lambs which hit the desired weights without becoming too fat and preferably with as little additional expense of high input feeds as possible – another factor where the breed stands out.
Looking ahead, the society is due to launch a new website later this year to promote the breed. With growing popularity for ewes which can be crossed or bred pure on all types of land including hill, marginal and lowland, there is no doubt a bright future lies ahead ...
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