Royal Highland Showcase sheep judges in the spotlight

All have a wealth of knowledge and experience of their breed and the job in hand and all feel extremely honoured to be asked to put their favoured breed through its paces at such a prestigious event.

Adding to the anticipation is the fact that the Showcase could well be the one and only livestock show they will be able to attend this year.

Watch out for the remainder of show judge articles to include the heavy horse judges in our special Royal Highland Showcase preview in next week's issue.

Beltex – Alasdair MacLean

At just 26 years of age but with an abundance of experience under his belt, young Alasdair MacLean has a big task in hand placing the Beltex sheep at this year’s Showcase event.

Born and brought up at Heylipol Farm on the Isle of Tiree, Alasdair studied agriculture at Oatridge College for two years, gaining experience on a few mainland farms at weekends, before taking a few months out to travel and work in New Zealand.

On his return back to Scotland, he went home to work full time on the family farm, where he has his own flock of 45 pedigree Beltex ewes, which run alongside the family’s commercial ewe flock and suckler cow herd.

“Beltex sheep have always been my No 1. breed. I was attracted to their carcase and character from a young age. They are currently in a position where they are dominating both store and prime lamb sales meaning that the breed is in high demand in the modern-day market,” commented Alasdair.

“At the Showcase, I will be looking for Beltex that are correct with a good long meaty carcase and with enough breed character to catch my eye,” he added, having previously judged at Lorn, Doune and Dunblane and Carnwath shows to name but a few.

On the flip side, Alasdair also enjoys exhibiting his own Beltex sheep, having bagged the breed championship in 2010 and reserve title in 2018 at the Royal Highland Show, with plenty of other prizes in between.

“I am looking forward to being involved in this year’s Royal Highland Show or Showcase, although it will be a bit different compared to the ‘normal’ show. We are all well used to the restrictions, and I always enjoy watching sheep and cattle judging and catching up with friends with or without a dram or two!” concluded Alasdair.

Berrichon and Bluefaced Leicester (traditional-type) – Rodney Blackhall

Having adjudicated several breeds of sheep at various events up and down the country, but never a ‘Royal,’ being asked to select the prize winners amongst the traditional Blues and the Berrichon, came as a huge surprise for Aberdeenshire enthusiast, Rodney Blackhall, who is a former president of the Royal Northern Agricultural Society.

“I am honoured to be asked to judge and I’m very much looking forward to it,” said Rodney who farms some 800+acres just outside Banchory, in partnership with his brother, Alex.

“There is nothing quite like the Highland Show for getting a chance to catch up with people you haven’t seen since the previous show and for seeing some of the best quality stock in the country.

“We go every year and we’re delighted to see this year’s event go ahead, albeit very much under different circumstances. Farmers need to see things getting moving again and to see an event like the Highland Show actually happen will be a huge boost to the industry,” said Rodney.

Well known in pedigree Texel and Bluefaced Leicester circles, the business also relies on the two breeds for its large commercial sheep enterprise which is based on home-bred Blue cross Texel ewes put back to home-bred Texel lambs, with most of the resultant progeny sold finished off grass.

“The Blue cross Texel makes a fantastic commercial ewe because she produces more lambs and lambs that are quick to get to their feet and sook. They are also really good mothers and great milkers. The first cross Blue cross Texel produces the best commercial ewe, but a three-quarter Texel cross Blue ewe produces the best lambs.

“The Bluefaced Leicester complements the Texel 100% because it has the maternal characteristics and increased prolificacy – our commercial ewe flock regularly scan out at 190% plus and I’d be disappointed if we’ll didn’t sell 170% or more,” he said.

Admittedly, Rodney has no experience of Berrichons, but he was the first to admit they have always impressed him at the Royal Highland Show.

“I’ve always admired the Berrichon as it has a great body – a maternal breed with shape. It’s a breed I’d always stop and look at purely because it looks so good in the show ring,” he said.

Despite little experience or knowledge of the Berrichon, Rodney has no qualms about judging it or the traditional Bluefaced Leicester, which he has placed on numerous occasions at various events.

“I would always look for correctness first and foremost in any breed. For males I like to see a good, strong tup with plenty power, depth, length, cover over the shoulder, a good top line and tight fine coat. It has to be good on its feet and legs and showing plenty of breed character. I’ll be looking for much the same thing in the females, but they should also be stylish and feminine and continually catching my eye. The most important thing is, they have to be correct,” Rodney said.

Blackface – James Hamilton

It will be with a heavy heart when the Blackface sheep judge, James Hamilton, Aikengall, Dunbar, steps into the ring at Ingliston, as his late father, John or Joffy as he was better known, was head sheep steward, and director of the Royal Highland Show up until early 2019.

James does nevertheless feel hugely honoured and privileged to be asked, and while he admits he will have a lump in his throat that morning, he is also extremely enthusiastic about the big day.

“I am really looking forward to seeing a good turnout of quality sheep to select a champion winner from. I understand the entries aren’t as good as they have been in previous years, which is understandable given the circumstances, but I’m sure there will still be plenty of quality sheep,” said James, who like his father, has always been an avid fan of the Royal Highland Show and the Blackface sheep breed.

“I will be looking for a champion that is a great example of the breed, a good mobile sheep that carries a good well fleshed carcase with the icing on the cake being an animal that shows strong breed characteristics, style and good clean colours to set him/her apart from the competition.”

Back at the home farm at Aikengall, James farms with his two brothers Charles and Harry, running a flock of 3000 ewes and 800 suckler cows, with all progeny from both enterprises either finished or retained as replacement breeding stock.

The business relies on a full stratified sheep system with 1500 Blackface ewes at Aikengall producing the progeny to maintain a flock of 1500 Mule ewes that are bred to a Texel aiming for the early lamb market at Nunraw, where Harry farms.

A nucleus flock of 400 Blackface ewes bred pure is at the apex of the system at Aikengall, with the genetics from this unit feeding down through the rest of the flocks in a bid to maintain as high and efficient a commercial standard of breeding sheep as possible.

The business also looks to sell 10-15 Blackface shearling rams from those top 400 ewes, between Stirling and Lanark.

Bluefaced Leicester crossing type – Bill Hedley

A shepherd for 45 years has ranked Bill Hedley, now based at Corsbie Farm, Earlston, the top job of selecting the prize winners amongst the crossing-type Bluefaced Leicesters.

Outwith his full-time position as stockman at Corsbie for the Fullerton family, Bill also runs a small flock of 15 pedigree Bluefaced Leicester ewes and has always worked on farms bringing out Mules.

“They are a very versatile breed, you can put them over any hill ewe, from the Highlands of Scotland to the tops of Wales and further, and you will still produce a good strong Mule.

“I am looking for a sound commercial animal with the extra bits added on that deserve to be awarded the championship ticket. They must be correct with a good body,” said Bill, who has always worked on farms bringing out Mule ewe lambs.

“The Mule ewe has a strong future if we continue to look after the basics. We have got to keep the milking and mothering ability strong to compete with the pressure from various other breeds and crosses,” added Bill, who has previously judged at Biggar, Wooler and various other local shows.

“I am looking forward to the Showcase event this year, it is exciting to return to the show ring, although I am slightly nervous… The pressure is not as bad as it would be if there was a full ringside crowd there in person watching over your shoulder when you are in the lion’s den. Everyone is right except the judge then!

“The Highland Show is all about meeting up with people you don’t see from one end of the year to the next and mixing with friends from all over the country. You can stand still all day and speak to someone different, it is great,” added Bill.

Blue Texel –Hamish Currie

Taking to the fore as Blue Texel judge for the Showcase is none other than highly respected stockman, Hamish Currie.

After making a name for himself in the Texel sheep world having produced top quality stock for 40 years now, Hamish turned his attention towards the Blue breed four years ago when looking for an alternative.

“Blue Texels are easier to handle and easier managed, full stop! And, they have that carcase that buyers are looking for. I liked them immediately as soon as they came into this country,” Hamish stated.

With Hamish’s parents not from farming, his interest was spurred from his grandfather. After leaving school at the age of 15, Hamish worked for various respected farming families, including Jack Irvine, Canonbie and the Hall Family at Inglewood Edge.

“I got started in sheep in 1978 with Hughie and Margaret Connell, Minska, Waterbeg, and as a thank you, they bought me my first sheep in the form of a Jacob. My passion for breeding sheep grew from there and I bought Suffolks before then getting into Texels – my flock is approaching its 49th anniversary next year!” Hamish explained.

“I live in Carlisle but my sheep are at Kilpatrick, so I drive about 58 miles a day to check them – call me devoted or stupid!!”

As well as working with his small flock, Hamish also works for Harrison and Hetherington at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, as a part time drover.

Such are Hamish’s stockmanship capabilities, that he’s judged at several events over the years to include the Isle of Man Show, Southern Show, Dumfries and Omagh. He’s also been asked to judge at several events that have since been cancelled this year due to the pandemic.

Regardless of what breed is placed in front of him, he knows what he’s looking for too.

“I like animals that are good on their legs; a good square sheep with character. I don’t like to see sheep with dips in their back, so that’s something to avoid! There are far too many sheep out there that are slack of their back.

“Blue Texels have a good shape and carcase and a nice halter mark – that’s the character of the breed, if you lose that you lose the sheep,” he explained.

Outwith his Blue Texels, Hamish has enjoyed some notable success with Texels, having previously entered Solway and Tyne’s small flock competition, securing the championship twice and supreme overall on one occasion.

He’s also looking forward to his big day amongst the Blue Texels at Ingliston regardless of whether it rains or shines!

“I’m counting on the weather being dry as I’m thinking of wearing my tie!! But on a more serious note, I’m just excited to see a good show of sheep in front of me – that’s the most important part!

“I really am chuffed to bits to have been asked to judge such a prestigious event, especially for a breed I am very passionate about,” he added.

“I think the Blue Texel has a solid place within the sheep industry, but you’ve got to convince folk that you might not get a black lamb all the time, there is a chance of white lambs.

“It’s trying to convince farmers there is a place for them, as so many producers are stuck in their ways with other breeds. But, they are becoming more popular, and as a carcase breed they are sure to find a good market.”

Border Leicester – John Mauchlen

Securing the honourable job of selecting a champion winner among the Border Leicesters is Kelso-based John Mauchlen, of the Spotsmains flock.

Residing on a mixed arable and livestock farm, John has always had a passion for the breed after growing up among Borders from a young age.

“The breed is unparalleled in looks and versatility, and they are one to be reckoned with,” he commented.

“Previously, we focussed on working with Scotch Half-Bred ewes, however more recently, attention has been turned towards the pedigree Border Leicester and Suffolk sheep.

“Within the last 12 months, we have completed the dispersal of all our commercial breeding sheep after three generations of sheep farming, which was a difficult decision to make for us all,” John added.

Still working on the family farm, John is also a car salesman, and with a versatile outlook on quality, he is confident in what his choice of champion should look like.

“At the Royal Highland Showcase I will primarily be looking for a correct and sound sheep in terms of mouth, handling, stance and carcase. Following these pointers, I’ll then be looking for a good outlook and breed character,” he explained.

John is certainly no stranger when it comes to putting the judge’s badge on, with this year being his third time judging at Ingliston, as well as having previously judged at the Royal Welsh, the Royal, and the Royal Ulster over the years.

John has also enjoyed numerous wins with his Spotsmains Border Leicester flock, having supported his local show at Kelso with some notable success.

Although he judged at the Royal Highland before, he is still excited about this year’s event and is looking forward to what everyone hopes will be a successful day.

“It will be a very unusual show, which one hopes will not be repeated for the same reasons but it is possible there will be a very large audience online – so one hopes they see a quality show of animals,” he said.

“Although its not a normal Highland Show it is still a great honour so I am looking forward to contributing to advertising our industry in the best way possible.

“I am also hopeful that the Border Leicester will gain in popularity again as more sheep breeders nationally recognise the many attributes of the breed.”

Charollais – John Andrew

Having established his own Charollais sheep flock in 1983 and having one of Scotland’s oldest flocks more than qualifies John Andrew of Rowanston, Maybole, to take charge of this year’s judging.

The Rowanston Charollais flock currently comprises 35 pedigree ewes which run alongside 450 cross-bred ewes at the home farm and 550 hill ewes at the nearby Blair Farm. John, who farms in partnership with his wife Allison and son David, also run 150 suckler cows and buy in 350 stores to fatten every year. In previous years, John also ran a large contract shearing business with his brother James.

In a bid to be as self-sufficient as possible, the Andrews grow their own winter and spring barley, swedes and fodder beet for feed.

They are also 100% committed to the Charollais.

“We like the Charollais as a terminal sire as they produce lambs that are easy lambed and carcases which weigh and grade well. They fit well in our system when they can be used to produce early creep fed lambs to late season hoggs out of hill ewes,” said John, who is currently selling 12-14-week-old lambs from cross ewes at 22kg with all yielding E and U grades.

“The Charollais is a fast-growing sheep breed so carcase quality is the No 1 priority, I’ll be looking for at the show.

“I always think that a good show sheep should be an outstanding commercial sheep. Obviously because it’s a show you are looking for a correct animal with that bit of extra character to catch the eye – basically a sheep you would like to take home to your own flock.

“I am really looking forward to the event and I think that RHASS should be commended on being pro-active in putting on this event in very testing circumstances. Hopefully, they will be rewarded with a large online audience,” added John, who has judged several shows and society sales throughout the UK including Northern Ireland over the years.

“There is always something to look forward to at the Royal Highland Show. I have spent a lot of time over the years at the shearing competitions as well as watching the livestock judging.

“But at the end of the day, it is always great to relax and enjoy the craic and hospitality available on our suppliers’ stands. The Highland Show is a great shop window for all that is good about our industry and let’s hope it can get back to normal in 2022,” concluded John.

Hampshire Down – Judith Galbraith

Based on a mixed beef, dairy, and sheep farm, based in the Cumbrian countryside, is this year’s Hampshire Down Showcase judge and breed society president, Judith Galbraith.

Although not from a farming background, Judith works as a part-time vet, as well as helping out on the family farm alongside her husband, Graham.

“My mum was a biologist, and my dad was a doctor, so it seemed logical to work as a vet – I’ve been in practice for 35 years now,” Judith said.

The third generation farm is home to Mule and Texel cross ewes, with the Hampshire Down being used as a terminal sire to produce fast growing finished lambs. As well as the commercial ewe flock, Judith and Graham run a small flock of 30 pedigree Hampshires.

“The farm was home to Hampshire sheep years ago and in 2006, Graham began looking for tups to produce faster finishing lambs from his commercial ewe flock. He came back with an in-lamb ewe and tups and that was the start of our pure flock! He was so happy with how much quicker they finished and we both soon became obsessed with the breed!” she explained.

Current president of the Hampshire Down Society for the past 18-months now, Judith is a keen advocate of the breed too. “I am enjoying the presidency but it has been a challenge during Covid-19. I think I’ve got a really good team behind me.

“The main thing we like about the breed is probably its ease of management faster finishing rate. Hampshires produce great carcases in a faster period of time and they are tough sheep – our biggest issue is keeping the condition off them,” she explained.

Judith, along with her husband, have enjoyed numerous outing as judges at shows up and down the country, including Ayr and Stirling Shows, which she believes will help her determine her choice of champion at the Showcase.

“I’m looking for a sheep that is correct with good teeth and testicles – if it’s a male. They also have to have a good tight skin and a good carcase. Extra breed points to take note of are the colour of the ears, structure and something that portrays everything about the breed,” Judith stated.

“I never went through Young Farmers so stockjudging is a new challenge for me, but Graham has been a huge help to me in terms of applying myself.

“He was successful in YFC stockjudging so I have learnt a lot of what I know from him. The Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders’ Association is also filled with a wealth of highly experienced, enthusiastic, friendly breeders who have been able to assist me in the finer details of the breed.”

As well as judging, Judith has also won a series of titles with their Hampshire Down sheep, including champion at the 2010 Great Yorkshire Show, reserve champion at the breed’s National Show in 2018 and champion in 2019.

“Im looking forward to getting my hands on some sheep, seeing a good show of stock and meeting with other breeders. It’s great to be finally getting back to some sort of normality and the buzz of the show ring!” she added.

“I am feel massively honoured to have been asked to judge and I’m very excited about the big day,” she said.

“The Hampshire Down, as a breed, has got a lot to give to the UK sheep industry. The speed of production, reducing carbon footprint and costs means that they have a huge contribution to make. There’s been a big shift towards them in the past few years and there’s also a taste bonus with them too!” she concluded.

Hebridean – Gordon Johnston

Like his father before him, Gordon Johnston has a deep founded love for crofting and, more so, his sought after Hebridean sheep.

“I always wanted to have a place for sheep and as soon as we could, I bought a few acres just outside Biggar and some sheep,” he said.

Having recently retired from Scottish Equitable Insurance, Gordon now works full time on the croft with his small flock of 30 Hebrideans.

“We specialise in the ancient typed four-horned Hebrideans. We recently sold off a lot to help establish new flocks around the country, so we are now concentrating on building up our numbers again. Our sheep have been sold into flocks from as far away as Stornoway right down to Devon,” Gordon added.

“We really do love the breed. Firstly because they are a native breed, which is very important. Anyone can have imported sheep, but the Hebridean produces high quality meat, as well as being able to lamb easily themselves. They are very hardy and have tremendous character.

“The four-horned aspect is fabulous to me and is really unique – they are a native breed which deserve more recognition,” said Gordon.

With the Showcase fast approaching, Gordon is confident in what he will be selecting as his choice of champion in the ring.

“Firstly, the sheep has to be a really good example of the breed and match the breed description. Any animal that attends to the Royal Highland Show is the best of the best, so the tiny details will make all the difference,” he said.

“Breeding a show winning four-horned animal is a challenge as you have to have a good sheep with really good horns to even come into consideration for taking the title. So, for that reason, if I come across a four-horned animal in the championship then it’ll be an easy choice.”

Gordon has found success in previous years with his flock, having secured a first prize ticket at the Royal Highland Show a few years ago, as well as some local shows. As well as taking part, Gordon has also had experience putting the breed through its paces at the Border Union, Mid Argyll and North Uist Shows.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting the people that are showing as much as anything else, as the Royal Highland Show is where everyone gets together and we’ve not had that with lockdown,” he said.

Looking ahead, Gordon is confident the Hebridean has a strong future within the industry.

“They are an ideal crossing and smallholding sheep, very hardy and manageable, and just a delight to have.

“With them having a lighter carcase, you have to go to the speciality outlets with good chefs in restaurants more than happy to take them – but you have to be good at marketing! Once you’ve tasted Hebridean meat, it’s very hard to look back.”

North Country Cheviot – Ritchie Strawhorn

Having put the park-type North Country Cheviots through their paces at the Royal Highland Show in 2007 as the official judge, breed enthusiast, Ritchie Strawhorn, Broomhillbank, Lockerbie, is feeling highly honoured to be asked again.

"Judging the Highland Show is a once in a lifetime opportunity – I certainly didn't expect to be asked again," said Ritchie, who now runs just 70 pure ewes alongside larger flocks of pure Lleyns, and Texel cross Lleyns, with his two sons, Jamie and Craig.

"Park-type Cheviots are lovely sheep to look at and they can show themselves off well. If you breed the right type, there is nothing nicer to look at. They're a bit like Half-breds, we used to breed them too."

However, such is the size of the park-type Cheviot, that having previously relied solely on the breed, the family now runs more, smaller cross-bred females for ease of management.

"We find that the park-type Cheviot has been getting too strong for us. We're looking for sheep that will rear two good lambs on the hill, so we now run one hill of pure Lleyns to breed replacement females and another hill of Lleyns that are crossed to the Texel, to provide home-bred Texel cross ewes and three-quarter Texel fat lambs to sell off grass.

"We're now completely self sufficient for breeding females. The only thing we have to buy in is stock rams," added Ritchie, who sells 10-12 North Country Cheviot shearling rams every year between Lockerbie and Longtown.

While Ritchie has never exhibited at the Highland, he's been at the ringside of the Northie judging every year for as long as he can remember.

A keen supporter of his local Dumfries and Moffat Shows, he knows how to bring out the best too having secured top awards at numerous previous events.

"I like a good, correct sheep that catches your eye and one that is not too big. They've got to have a good shape, carcase, coat and be good on their feet and legs. Breeding the best is not about breeding the biggest. A Northie ewe only has to be big enough to rear two good lambs on the hill," he said.

With a top quality entry of Cheviots expected for The Showcase, it comes as no surprise that Ritchie has high hopes for the big day at Ingliston, especially when it appears most of this year's events have had to be postponed again.

"I fear for the local shows after two years absence. This potential trade deal with Australia and New Zealand is a real worry too after such a good year for everyone with livestock to sell.

"I am however, really looking forward to judging at the Highland. I really take my hat off to the people who are exhibiting and to all those behind the scenes who have made the event possible."

Ryeland – Susan Bryden

Few Scottish exhibitors have landed the top awards in the Ryeland section at the Royal Highland Show more than Susan Bryden, so taking centre stage as the official judge is a huge honour for the Dumfriesshire breeder who has been exhibiting since the mid 1980s.

“I am hugely excited to be part of the Royal Highland Show’s Showcase,” said Susan. “I know it won’t be the Highland Show that we all know and love, but I am just so full of admiration for the people behind the scenes who have put in so much time and effort to get this event up and running.”

As one of the earliest breeders of Ryeland sheep in Scotland, Susan and her father, Drew Taylor, established the Broomwell flock in the early 1980s from Ruslin ewes purchased privately from the UK’s top breeder at the time Richard Wear, Bristol.

“Ryelands are such great animals to work with and they’re so docile – they’re the only sheep I can keep up with,” joked Susan, who was and remains particularly taken by with the breed’s visual appearance and easy fleshing characteristics.

“They’re also a good crossing sire, especially over primitive and small breeds, and can be put over any breed or cross-bred female to produce a good, shapey lamb that can be finished off grass,” she added.

A former president of the Ryeland Flock Book Society and the current chairman of the Scottish Ryeland Group, Susan is well accustomed to putting the breed through its paces at numerous breed shows and sales. She’s also judged at several shows south of the Border and at the Royal Welsh.

“I look for sheep with a good body, mouth, locomotion etc and then the typical Ryeland characteristics with a bridled carriage and a head full of character. Quality of wool is also very important.

“We started off with white Ryelands, but we also have a separate coloured flock, so I’ve no preference between the two types,” Susan said.Susan generally puts aroud 12-15 ewes to the tup on the Lochmaben smallholding.

Such is the enthusiasm for the Ryeland that the breed is represented at most agricultural shows now too either white, coloured or as both types, with coloureds appearing to be most favoured by new breeders.

Shetland – Bryden Nicolson

While most Scottish flockmasters have been complaining bitterly about the cold, wet weather for lambing, Shetland native, Bryden Nicolson is well accustomed to it, although he is looking forward to better weather for his big job at Ingliston.

“I am really looking forward to the show as last year’s was such a miss and it’s the only time we really get away for some sort of a break,” said Bryden.

“I’ve never been abroad, we always went to the local shows and the Highland Show for our holiday and even then it’s a working time away from the farm as we’re usually competing, either with Suffolks or Texels,” he said adding that he has twice taken the reserve overall amongst the blacks and a reserve male with a Texel lamb that went on to sell for 42,000gns.

As the owner of two farms at opposite ends of the country, Bryden is a busy man running 3000 acres with 800 pure Shetland ewes, 500 Cheviot cross Shetland ewes, 600 ewe hoggs and 45 Blackface ewes along with a similar number of park-type North Country Cheviots, on the island. At the other farm at The Knock, Duns, Bryden and his wife Johanna run a further 45 pedigree Suffolk and Texel ewes, 300 recipients/early lambers, 1100 commercial ewes and 270 ewe hoggs.

Having sold Suffolks and Texels at big money, he’s also made a name for himself back on home turf too, having judged the flock book show and sale on several occasions and, sold numerous four-figure priced rams, so he knows what he is looking for.

“I like a bit of size about my Shetlands and sheep with good wool especially about the tail. They also have to have the right Shetland head with a tuft at the top. I don’t like woolly Shetlands, but they’ve got to be well covered with good feet and clean legs with good bone to survive the poor weather and rough terrain up here.”

Born and brought up with the breed, Bryden has always been a fan of this productive hardy hill breed either as a pure or commercial when crossed to a Cheviot.

“The Cheviot tup over the Shetland ewe makes for a tremendous cross-bred milky female that can be lambed outside and one which you can put any terminal sire to,” said Bryden, who runs 1100 such ewes at the Knock which this year scanned at 196%.

Prolific and milky with it too, the couple this year have 800 rearing twins, with a further 50-60 still running with their triplet-born lambs outside at grass.

While both farms couldn’t be located further apart, they do very much work in partnership, with home-bred Cheviot cross Shetland females from Shetland providing the basis of Bryden and Johanna’s commercial flock at The Knock which in turn are tupped with home-bred Texel and Suffolk rams, with all progeny marketed store or prime, depending on trade.

The Knock which comprises 460 acres also finishes the Suffolk cross lambs from Shetland.

With the Shetland and the productive commercial female from her being so easy managed, it comes as no surprise that the islander with a passion for several breeds of sheep, is also seeing a growing demand for the breed and all colours within it.

“We’ve got all colours of Shetland sheep at home, white, black, grey, moorit, katmuggit and flecket. I’m not racist,” joked Bryden.

Suffolk and Bleu Du Maine – Mike Black

Standing proud as the Suffolk and Blue De Maine judge for this year’s showcase is the well-respected Mike Black, of Newton of Collessie Farm.

Having worked on the family farm all his life and now residing a stone’s throw away from it, Mike works in partnership with his brother, Pete and father, Ronnie.

“At Newton of Collessie, we have lots of Clydesdale horses and a small flock of commercial ewes, as well as a very small suckler cow herd. The majority of our business is arable based where we focus on growing 650 acres of malting barley, wheat, oats, beans and oilseed rape – some of which is used within our feed business but most is sold to other producers,” commented Mike.

Newton of Collessie is home to 100 pedigree ewes, comprising 65 Suffolks, Beltex and Texels.

With Mike now working more within the feed business, he finds himself driving delivery lorries most days, however, he is no stranger when it comes to the show ring!

“It’s always nice to get asked to judge a show, whether it’s the Royal Highland or your local show. I have previously been honoured to judge Turriff, New Deer and an array of Northern shows, as well as some down in Stirlingshire,” he said.

“In years gone bye, I’ve mainly judged Suffolks and Clydesdales and I quite often get to judge the Any Other Breed classes – so hopefully this will help me fulfil my showcase duties this year!”

Mike is also confident in what he will be looking for in his choice of champion.

“Within the Suffolks, I want something that catches the eye and shows a high standard of the breed characteristics. They also have to have a good carcase, skin and colour.

“Among the Blue Du Maines, I’ll be looking for the same qualities but with a bit more maternal characteristics and something with a bit of flash and good carcase quality.

“My uncle used to have Bleus and some of my earliest Highland Show memories are messing about with Blue Du Maines with Bruce and Hamish Goldie,” he added.

When it comes to judging stock, Mike has had experience dating back to his Young Farmers days, having previously enjoyed success within the stockmanship programme.

“I’m unfortunately one of the older heads now but I have qualified for the Stockman of the Year final once before, and been involved in stockjudging competitions in my Young Farmers days! I have also stood as the official judge for the Suffolk class within the YF stockmanship programme.”

Looking towards the big day, Mike is looking forward to catching up with old friends and seeing a good array of sheep.

“Hopefully it’ll be good to catch up with a few people as we haven’t seen anyone since lambing finished. Just being able to get back to some sort of normality will be fantastic in itself,” Mike commented.

“It’s always a privilege to be asked to judge any show and clarifies that someone deems you good enough to come and look at other people's livestock – so its always an honour.

“On a normal show day I would be helping with horses so don’t get to see the Suffolks or walk around the show, so I’m really looking forward to seeing all the stock that I can."

Mike is also confident that the Suffolk in particular has a strong future ahead of them.

“The Suffolk is still the No 1. breed from age to weight and early production of lambs – it’s hard to find another breed that compares in that regard.

"It’s also more apparent that the Suffolk Mule is becoming a more popular mother in the commercial world, so the breed is proving to be more dual-purpose than first thought – a great thing for the breed!”

Texels – Andrew Johnstone

There is no doubt all eyes will be homing in on Andrew Johnstone as the main man in the ring selecting the top winners amongst the Texel sheep – one of the most popular breeds having attracted just shy of 100 entries.

Steeped in Texel history as grand-son of the late Ian Johnstone, Boghouse, Crawfordjohn – one of the first to import the breed into the UK and a founder member of the Texel Sheep Society – Andrew has been brought up with breed from Day One and remains as enthusiastic as his late grand-father.

The youngster who runs his own Bogend flock of 20 pedigree Texel ewes alongside a much larger Cheviot Mule ewe flock at Meikle Carleith, Galston, Ayrshire, is also one of the Royal Highland Show’s biggest fans so it comes as no surprise that he is hugely honoured to be putting breed through its paces at The Showcase, later this month.

“The Royal Highland Show is always one of the best for seeing Texels as so many of the top lambs for the breed sales are there on view,” said Andrew, who has won the Scottish Texel Club’s extremely competitive annual stockjudging competition on two previous occasions.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the sheep and to judging them,” added Andrew who will be looking primarily at the commercial attributes of the entries on the big day.

“I do like a bit of flash, show presence, silky hair and a breedy head, but the Texel was imported for its commercial attributes first and foremost so I will be looking for sheep with good top line, gigots and coats and sheep that are good on their feet and legs.”

Andrew who breeds his own Cheviot Mules which are then bred to home-bred Texel rams, is all to aware of the importance of good commercial traits too, when his resultant Texel cross lambs are sold finished off grass.

Lambed inside mid March, he is able to sell the first of these off grass and straight off their mothers at the end of May, with most away by the end of July.

Outwith the sheep enterprise at Meikle Carleith, Andrew also runs 40 Salers cross cows which are either bulled to an Aberdeen-Angus or a Salers, for their ease of management and calving.

It is nevertheless Texel sheep that Andrew lives for and this year, following the absence of so many livestock events, a fast approaching Highland Showcase.

“I was a bit dubious about how and if the show would go ahead when social distancing is still such an issue, but it is great that it is. Things have to open up again and this is an event for everyone to look forward to,” Andrew added.

Zwartbles – Colin Rae

Taking to the fore as Zwartbles judge at this year’s Showcase will be Colin Rae, who works full-time at Hartbush Farm, Amisfield, Dumfries – a mixed beef and sheep enterprise, running 330 suckler cows and 540 ewes.

Having previously studied at the Barony College after leaving school, he found his job at Hartbush, where he has been since 1997. Now running his own pedigree flock of 32 breeding ewes, split 50:50 between Zwartbles and Blue Texels, these are kept at his parents’ small holding, at Wallacetown Farm.

“We first started with the Zwartbles after seeing them in a neighbouring field. We wanted to get a few to possibly start showing and it escalated from there.

“Zwartbles are very easy lambed and have exceptional maternal ability. They are very milky which results in rapid lamb growth. They are very prolific and produce lean quality meat. The breed also has excellent crossing traits!”

Commenting on what he will be looking for in the show ring Colin added: “First and foremost the sheep has got to be correct. Good on its legs, good mouth and well fleshed but not over fat. They must have that look at me attitude in the show ring with plenty of style to catch my eye.”

Having already gained experience judging at the Balmoral, the Three Counties, Colin has also selected the top winners at various society sales at Carlisle, Worcester and Gortin as well as many other smaller shows throughout the country.

“I am very much looking forward to show day. I had written 2021 show season off just like last year, so it is an exciting prospect to be judging at the Royal Highland Showcase,” concluded Colin.