Having produced world record breaking Galloway cattle that go on to dominate show rings across the country, as well as being a respected breeder of Blackface sheep, John Finlay has certainly left a lasting legacy with the quality stock produced off Blackcraig, Corsock, near Castle Douglas.

Here, he tells The SF about his most notable achievements and his hopes for the future of his breeds:

What’s your background?

I was born at Blackcraig, which my grandfather and father had farmed, and after leaving school I worked alongside my father and brother.

I married Ann 38 years ago and we still live at Blackcraig now. We had two children, Kelly and Iain, and I now farm alongside Iain, who lives at Corse Farm with his partner, Katy. We acquired Corse seven years ago and run it alongside Blackcraig. I have always worked with Galloway cattle and Blackface sheep.

What got you into your choice of breeds?

Blackcraig is predominantly a hill farm and Galloways and Blackface sheep are the breeds which have always been able to thrive and produce an income on that type of ground.

What qualities do you like about the breeds that you work with?

Their ability to produce top quality beef and lamb is the most important quality. They graze the hills in a way which makes them environmentally friendly.

I would also highlight the fact that they are both easily kept – they live and thrive outside in all conditions, for 365 days of the year, without the need for expensive sheds.

What was your first big breed sale or show?

Probably the earliest sale I remember was the Blackface tup sale at Newton Stewart, in 1973, when I would only be 12-years-old. My father, Hugh, sold a tup for £8000 to Larg of Creetown, which was a breed record at the time. I can always remember the feeling of pride and excitement at what my father had achieved.

Which was the best animal that you’ve ever bred?

On the sheep side, I don’t think it is a particular animal that stands out, but more the pens of draft ewes we have sold over the years which have gone on and done well for other folk.

In the cattle, my highlights would be Blackcraig Kodiak and Blackcraig Sid – two bulls which did well and had a big influence on the breed.

But what was the best animal that you’ve ever seen?

Among the sheep, it would have to be £160,000 Dalchirla, or 007 bred at Glen, Gatehouse. Those were both tups you will always remember.

In Galloways, it would be Glenkiln Dynamite, a bull that had a huge influence in our own herd and sired Blackcraig Kodiak. Also Diamond B Hilda – a cow which I saw the first time I visited Canada. We imported a son of hers of in partnership with Klondyke Farms and again, that had a big influence in our herd.

Best animal you’ve been out-bidded on or lost?

I would have loved to have been able to afford £160,000 Dalchirla! However, we did get sons which bred very well for us.

If you could change one thing about your breed, what would it be?

I wouldn’t say I would change anything about the actual breeds, but I would like to change the fact that their natural habitat is increasingly being swallowed up by trees. The landscape of Scotland as we know it is going to be changed forever!

Your most abiding memory?

That would have to be winning the Royal Highland Show back in 2000 with Blackcraig Bertha. It was the first time we ever showed at the Highland and it is a great memory we have.

As well as that, winning the 2016 Galloway National Show at Dumfries, with Blackcraig Sid, in front of Galloway breeders from across the world who were all there for the Galloway Congress, was really memorable. In saying that, though, every show you win, whether it be a national show or the wee local shows, makes for great memories.

Biggest disappointment?

It was disappointing last year to miss the tup sales for the first time in my whole life, but I am very grateful to our National Health Service who have made it possible for me to be there this year!

Most influential person in your career?

My father would be the most influential person in my life – he always encouraged and guided me.

As well as that, I would also like to mention the late Bert McMillan, from Craigmuie, who took me under his wing from a young age and really encouraged my interest in Galloway cattle.

Legends like the late Jim and Jack Kay were folk that always had time for the next generation, and this really encouraged my interest in Blackies.

What’s your favourite sale to attend and why?

I always enjoy the tup sales – they bring a great sense of excitement and enjoyment. I would have to say the same for the Galloway sales at Castle Douglas – they always give you a real buzz.

Your choice of best breeder ever?

In the Blackface sheep world it would be the late Graham McClymont, Cuil, and in the Galloway world, it would be the late Jim Biggar, from Grange.

Biggest achievement?

Having bred three breed record-priced Galloway females rates highly. In February of this year, we sold five heifers to a top of 12,500gns – which is a world record – and hit an average of £7200. That was a really special day.

Also, winning the Galloway section at the Royal Highland Show 11 times since we started showing in 2000 is something I’m quite proud of. We topped both the shearlings and lambs at Newton Stewart in 2006, and that stands out too.

If you could have gone into another breed what would it have been?

If we could have found another breed which would have served us as well as what we have, we might have tried them!

Anything you would go back and change in your career?

I am very fortunate to have been able to do what I wanted to do all my life and have thoroughly enjoyed it – it is good to see the next generation enjoying it too.

Any hobbies or interests outwith farming?

I was going to say I’m a top-class golfer but I don’t think anyone would have believed that! To be honest, showing and selling pedigree stock becomes your interest and hobby as much as your job, so I am very happy doing that.

We’ve also got our wee grandson, Rory, to keep us amused.

What’s the future of your breeds?

The future for both breeds look good. They are both what the environmentalists are looking for and that’s important these days.

The Galloway breed, in particular, at the moment is very much on the up, thanks to factors like a marketing deal with the supermarket Aldi, which was due to the hard work of people like Scott McKinnon – so I really hope that as a breed, we can see that continue.