ONE of the key figures in the UK's wool industry, Colin MacGregor, has retired.

A former Scottish Shearing Champion, Colin has not only played a major role in British Wool, but has made a key contribution to the progression and standard of shearing across the UK in his role as shearing manager. He steps down after 20 years.

Colin sheared his first sheep with hand shears aged 10, at his home in Lochearnhead. He started out as a British Wool shearing instructor before taking up his role as senior instructor. During his career, Colin has instructed thousands of shearers across the UK and Europe.

Commenting on his contribution to the shearing industry, chief executive officer for British Wool, Joe Farren, said: “It is impossible to underestimate this. For British Wool, Colin has been instrumental in establishing a training programme that underpins shearing and effective wool production. Without the courses he has developed, wool production would be uncompetitive, and the wool we receive would be of much poorer quality. This is not only true of the UK, Colin has influenced shearing across the world. Our courses are globally recognised as the benchmark for training wherever wool is sheared.”

Acknowledging the role played by Colin in the world of competitive shearing, Joe Farren adds, “The quantity and quality of shearers in the UK is something British Wool is very proud of. The positive progress made during Colin’s 20 years is also demonstrated by the way competitive shearing and wool handling has developed; with UK based competitors achieving global success and recognition.”