– Imported cattle gained in popularity, with a buying rush in Southern Germany where at least 150 unserved Simmental heifers were booked by a buying commission, with many reserved for Scottish buyers.

A further 11 bulls were selected by the Scottish Milk Marketing Board.

– The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society appointed James Davidson as their new chief executive. Mr Davidson was a Liberal MP for Aberdeenshire West and had previously been in the Royal Navy before leaving in 1955 to take up farming at Tillychetley, Alford, which has been farmed by his forebearers since 1773.

– The American cattle breeding company, Black Watch, was sued for $10m dollars and faced charges in New York federal courts that it misrepresented the value of cattle herds it sold to investors. There were 500 herd-owners and around 15,000 breeding cattle in independently owned ranches in more than 20 states.

– JR Dick, the managing partner of Black Watch Farms, became a celebrity at Perth Bull Sales after bidding 60,000gns to buy the 14-month-old Aberdeen Angus bull Lindertis Evulse at the sales in 1963. This bull later provoked international controversy when it proved unable to breed.

– Limousin cattle arrived in Scotland in 1971 and were in quarantine at Leith. There were 155 heifers and 25 bulls imported to the country and they were insured for £1m. The bulls averaged £2000, while the heifers ranged from £900 to £1500.

– That same year, the first British-bred Simmental calf was born at Skerrington Mains, Hurlford, Kilmarnock. A medal was presented to the owner William Young at the Royal Show to mark the event. Named Skerrington Alpha, it was later sold to America for £3000.

– 1972 marked the end of farmhouse cheesemaking due to long hours in dairying and the shortage of skilled labour. In 1930, there were 300 cheesemakers in Scotland alone. Robert Maxwell worked for Brian Finlay, of The Ross, Kirkcudbright, for 23 years and was awarded a trophy by the Scottish Cheese Makers.