There is no doubt huge prestige surrounds the Royal Highland Show, whether it be as the owner of a prize winning animal, breeder, judge or stockman, however, there is also a monumental amount of work and organisation behind the scenes to achieve such an honour, with much of it falling on the shoulders of the chief stewards.

For David Alexander, who was appointed chief sheep steward in 2019, following the tragic death of John Hamilton, it is one which he enjoys immensely being a natural communicator and organiser.

He is however, extremely appreciative of his fellow sheep stewards, Kenneth Sutherland from Caithness; Ian Beck from Stranraer and Gordon Gray from Selkirk, and is the first to admit, he couldn’t do it without their support and help.

David joined the RHASS board in 2013 as one of the directors to represent the Strathclyde area, having been an attending member for many years before that.

Back home, as a retired practising veterinary surgeon in Ayrshire, he now runs the 185-acre all grassland Millside farm near Galston, Ayrshire, along with his wife Jennifer, keeping both cattle and sheep together with a flock of pedigree Blue Texel ewes. Registered and commercial stock are sold at society sales, local markets and privately from home.

A former Rouge and Lleyn sheep breeder, David believes Blue Texels are now not only proving popular with farmers as a terminal sire, they are also gaining admiration with the younger generation as an easy breed to handle and manage.

It comes as no surprise therefore that Blue Texels are proving ideal for those who wish to show in young handlers classes.

Looking forward to next week’s Showcase, David is all too aware of how different this year's Ingliston event will be, with fewer exhibitors and entries in the sheep section and a reduced number of members and fellow breeders.

Furthermore, in addition to the strict Covid regulations in force, there will no spectators to view the stock on show. However, with the event being live streamed to all members and the public, there will be a lot more to see than many anticipate!

People will be able to view different aspects of the Showcase, albeit very differently from standing at the ringside agreeing or disagreeing with the judge, chatting to their friends or having a drink (or two) in the bar!!

Looking further ahead, David hopes and prays that ‘normal service will be resumed’ and that the 180th Royal Highland Show in 2022 can be celebrated as the event we all know, and love – and without Covid restrictions.