The Black Isle returned with three National breed competitions for the Simmental, Hereford and North Country Cheviot breeds and fittingly, an overall champion of champions from one of those top three.

On the day the supreme overall was the beef interbreed winner, Islavale Lullaby, a Simmental heifer from Reece Simmers of Backmuir Farm at Keith. Breed champion at the Royal Highland Show in June, she was described by inter-breed beed judge, Michael Durno from Auchorachan, Glenlivet, as an 'outstanding' show animal.

The day’s reserve overall was the supreme sheep, a Charollais ram lamb from the Ingram family at Logie Durno, Pitcaple.

John Thorley, the inter-breed sheep judge, justified his decision by describing the lamb as beautifully presented, and the entire Ingram Charollais team a 'fair sight to behold'.

The other champion of the day, the overall horse, was the Clydesdale mare, Galcantray Georgina from David and Beverley Walker, Galcantray, Cawdor, fresh from her reserve championship win at Nairn the previous weekend.

LEADING awards

Aberdeen-Angus (Judge: M Clarke, Forfar). M Wattie, Mains of Tonley, Alford, with the three-year-old heifer, Tonley Lady Heather by Blelack Evermore, reserve at the Royal Highland Show and champion at the National show. Reserve – TJ and G MacLean, Raddery, Fortrose with an 18-month-old in-calf heifer, Raddery Lady X262 by Deveron Exstatic and out of Deveron Lady. Young bull, yearling heifer, pair– TK and G MacLean. Two-year-old heifer – D Walker. Calf – M Wattie.

Crofters Cattle Champion Cow from Gordon Begg, Canisbay.

Crofters Cattle Champion Cow from Gordon Begg, Canisbay.

Beef Shorthorn (Judge: WSL Muir, Orkney). Champion – S and M Mackenzie, Auchmore, Muir of Ord, with the bull calf, Auchmore Spyro by Chapelton Dauphin and out of Cairnsmore Your Highness, and reserve with a heifer calf, Auchmore Snowdrop by Smallburn Nugget and out of Spartan Her Princess. Heifer calf, bull calf, pair – S and M Mackenzie.

Charolais (Judge: WSL Muir, Orkney). Champion – B and G Wright, Lagavaich, Lagavaich, Glenlivet, with the 16-month-old bull, Lagavaich Spence by Westley Equinox and out of Lagavaich Orla. Reserve – RA Milne and Sons, Kennieshillock, Elgin with the bull, Elgin Spectre. Heifer – B and G Wright. Pair, group of three – RA Milne and Sons.

Charolais Champion Lagavaich Spence from A&A Wright, Lagavaich, Glenlivet

Charolais Champion "Lagavaich Spence" from A&A Wright, Lagavaich, Glenlivet

Limousin (Judge: K Gill, Fortrose). Champion and reserve – Blair Duffton, 2 Bogie Street, Huntly with the heifer, Craigatoke Rue by Norman Ely and out of Craigatoke Nan. She was bought at Ballymena for 2800gns earlier in the year. Reserve was the 18-month-old young bull Rathkeeland Romford sired by Ironstone Gandi and out of Rathkeeland Noelle. Young bull, senior heifer – B Duffton. Junior heifer – M Robertson, Throninghurst.

Simmental (Judge: J Moore, Beragh). Champion, inter-breed beef and champion of champions – R Simmers, Backmuir, Keith with the heifer, Islavale Lullaby by Shacon Hannibal and out of Islavale Inspire. Breed champion at Royal Highland Show. Reserve – Barlow Brothers, Preston with the heifer, Denizes Eve’s Beauty 3, by Blackford Galaxy and out of Auroch Eve. Bull born January to March 2021 – 1, R Simmers; 2, WG MacPherson. Bull born 2021 – 1, WJ and J Green, Fochabers; 2, G Brown, Penicuik; 3, JS Gunn, Lybster. Bull born April to June 2021 – 1, WG MacPherson; 2, G Brown; 3, WG MacPherson. Bull born July to December 2021 – WG MacPherson. Cow – 1, WG MacPherson; 2, WJ and J Green, Fochabers; 3, Pitgaveny Farm, Elgin. Heifer born April to December 2020 – 1, R Simmers; 2, G Brown. Heifer born January to December 2020 – 1, WJ and J Green; 2, G and A Christie, Huntly; 3, G Brown. Heifer born between July and December 2021 – 1, WG MacPherson; 2, Pitgaveny Farm; 3, WG MacPherson. Heifer born August 2019 to March 2020 – 1, Barlow Brothers, Preston; 2, R Simmers; 3 WJ and J Green. Calf born 2022 – 1, WJ and J Green; 2, G Stephen, Forres, 3, WG MacPherson. Pair – 1, R Simmers; 2, WJ and J Green; 3, WG MacPherson. Bred female pair – 1, R Simmers; 2, WJ and J Green; 3, G Brown. Pair – R Simmers. Male champion – R Simmers. Reserve male – WJ and J Green.

Hereford (Judge: R Greirson, Balbeatie). Champion – C Smith and Anna Wilson, with the two-year-old heifer, Studdolph 1 Barbie, by Lowersmoor 1 Nasser out of Studdolph Barbie. Reserve – G and Sophie Harvey with the 17-month-old bull, Va Va Voom by Normanton 1 Leartes and out of Harveybros 1 Crocus EZ, reserve champion at Great Yorkshire. Young bull – 1, I Skea, Inverurie; 2, G and S Harvey, Glasgow. Bull born March to July 2021 – 1, G and S Harvey; 2, C Smith and A Wilson, Inverness; 3, J Hodge, Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Bull born between August 2020 and February 2021 – I Skea. Heifer born after August 2021 – 1, J Hodge; 2 W, P and K Wason, Lochgelly; 3, G and S Harvey. Heifer born March to July 2021 – 1, C Smith and A Wilson; 2, J Hodge; 3, Molly Stuart, Ballindalloch. Heifer born August 2020 to February 2021 – 1, Margaret Galbraith, Lanark; 2, W, P and K Wason. Cow born August 2019 to July 2020 – C Smith and A Wilson; 2, G and S Harvey. Cow born before August 2019 – 1, G and S Harvey; 2, W, P and K Wason; 3, I Skea, Inverurie. Best pair – 1, G and S Harvey; 2, C Smith and A Wilson. Group of three – 1, G and S Harvey; 2, C Smith and A Wilson; 3, J Hodge,. Best three by same sire – J Hodge. Reserve male – I Skea. Reserve female – C Smith and A Wilson.

Commercial (Judge: C Moore, Lochgelly). Champion – B Duffton, Huntly, with the 21-month-old Limousin cross heifer, Black Magic, shared with Messrs Small and Wilkinson, by Ronick Hawk. Champion at Great Yorkshire. Reserve – M Robertson, Fodderletter Farms, Tomintoul with Cinderella, an 18-month-old Limousin cross British Blue cross heifer. Champion at Banchory, champion and reserve overall at Echt. Cow with calf – Fraser Family, Nairn. Heifer with calf, cross cow, heifer in calf and best in Ross – I Grant, Gairloch. Steer calf born 2020 and reserve male champion – B Paterson, Inverurie. Heifer calf born 2020, junior steer and male champion – J Munro and Son, Ardgay. Steer calf born August to December 2021 – J Smith, Brora. Junior heifer, cross bred animal, pair, group of three, heifer pair – Br Duffton. Herdsman – Georgia Fraser, Inverness. Charolais cross – WJ Jack and Sons, Huntly.

Highland (Judge: J Ogston, Luib). Champion – Tordarroch fold, Farr with a two-year-old heifer, Alice 22 of Tordarroch by Macrae of Maol and out of Alice 20 of Tardarroch. Champion at Sutherland. Reserve – Cragganvallie fold, Beauly, with the bull, Angus Ruadh of Glengorm. Junior bull, pair, cow and calf – Tordarroch fold. Heifer born 2019 – Blingery Farms, Wick. Heifer born 2021 – Leys Castle Farm. Group of three, herdsman – J and L Fraser and Son, Aberdeen. Best in Ross – The Applecross Trust.

Any other beef breed (Judge: B Ross, Invergordon). Champion – Coul Blues with Poppy and reserve with Pixie.

Rare and minority breeds (Judge: B Ross, Invergordon). Champion – June MacKenzie, Braes of Castle Grant with Blackcraig Hilda. Reserve – Sam Jackson, Balblair, Dingwall with Freda.

Crofters’ cattle (Judge: A Smith, Invergarry). Champion – J Smith, The Rowans, Brora, with an 11-month-old Limousin cross British Blue steer, Willie Boy. Reserve at Dornoch. Reserve – Esther Grant, Lonemore, Gairloch with the nine-month-old Limousin cross heifer, Teddy. Cow, steer calf, group of three – I Grant, Gairloch. Cow with calf – Girdie beg, Canisbay.

Young Farmers calf – Champion – Tilly Munro Ardgay with Teenage Tantrum. Reserve – Georgia Fraser, Inverness.

Shetland ponies (Judge: L Wilson, Ceres). Champion – Irene Spence and Kayleigh Nicol, Alford with the gelding, Warrackston Tamara by Scamells Criterium. Reserve – T Stuart, Mawburn Shetlands, Kinross with the filly, Mawburn Sadie by Sharpton Predator.

Shetland ponies miniature (Judge: A Slater, Bixter). Champion – Phlair Stud with the mare, Tillyorn Violet by Swells Barron. Reserve – Lochfleet, Dornoch with the filly, Lochfleet Skelbo Fiery Flame by Halstock Midnight Madness.

Clydesdale (Judge: R Black, Cupar). Champion – D and Beverley Walker, Galcantray, Cawdor with the four-year-old mare, Galcantray Georgina by Doura Woodhouse Real Deal and out of Canadian bred Stoneyknoll Precious Isabella. Reserve and overall from Ross – Shina Johnstone, Muir of Ord, with the foal, Balvattie Seamus by Doura Aird Ambition and out of Balvattie Oria. Three-year-old mare, three-year-old gelding, young handlers – D and B Walker, Nairn. Mare with foal, foal – S Johnstone, Muir of Ord. Yealing colt or gelding – E and Miranda Johnstone, Muir of Ord.

Highland (Judge: J Cameron, Laurencekirk). Champion – W Grigor, Brodie with the yearling filly, Drumbrodie Avalina by Balmoral Major. Reserve – Fiona Menzies, Myreton, Insch with a mare, Cerys O’Lundie Crags by Glennbanchor MacGhillie Dubh.

Blackface (Judge: P Stewart, Keith). Champion and reserve – Glenrinnes Farms. Supreme was a shearling ram by a £4500 Merkland tup and out of a £2800 Dyke ewe. Reserve was the three-crop ewe, Hokeycokey, by a £3700 Kirkland out of a homebred ewe. Aged tup – R Thompson, Corrybrough Estate. Shearling tup, tup lamb, ewe – Glenrinnes Farms. Gimmer, group of three – R Flett, Ardersier. Ewe lamb – K Johnston, Inverness.

Crofters Champion a Blackface Ewe from Ally Williamson, Bragar, Isle of Lewis.

Crofters Champion a Blackface Ewe from Ally Williamson, Bragar, Isle of Lewis.

Bluefaced Leicester (Judge: A McClymont, Selkirk). Champion and reserve – R Baynes, Blackford, Croy. Champion was a ewe lamb by Moffat Auchry and reserve was a home-bred ram lamb by a Newbiggins Walls tup. Shearling tup, tup lamb, ewe, ewe lamb – R Baynes. Group of three – Muriel Ross, Nairn.

BFL Champion Ewe Lamb from Raymond Baynes, Blackford Farm, Croy.

BFL Champion Ewe Lamb from Raymond Baynes, Blackford Farm, Croy.

Beltex (Judge: D Douglas). Champion – W and C Ingram, Logie Durno, with the two-shear ram Buckles Fury bought at Carlisle for 11,000gns. He is by Gryffin Dexter, out of College Adele and bred the 24,000gns Logie Durno Godfather. Reserve – WD Stephen, Meikle Geddes, Nairn with the gimmer, Ardstewart Grace Lynn, by Swffryd Express, out of Ardstewart Clipso. Aged tup, ewe lamb – W and C Ingram. Shearling tup, tup lamb, gimmer, group of three – WD Stephen and Co, Nairn. Ewe – J Scott and Partners, Tain.

Beltex Champion Two-shear Ram Buckles Fury from W&C Ingram, Pitcaple.

Beltex Champion Two-shear Ram "Buckles Fury" from W&C Ingram, Pitcaple.

Charollais (Judge: R Patterson, Dunblane). Champion and inter-breed sheep – W and C Ingram, Logie Durno, Pitcaple, with the one-crop ewe, Springhill Untouchable and out of a ewe that is the dam of the 10,000gns Washington. Reserve from the same home was the aged tup, Foxhillfarm Va Va Voom purchased for 16,000gns and bred sons to 10,000gns. He was part of the interbreed pairs champion at the Highland Show in 2021 and reserve inter-breed pairs at the Royal Welsh this year. All classes – W and C Ingram.

Texel (Judge: J Mackie, Rhynie). Champion – Kirsty Cameron, Gorebridge with a gimmer out of a Hull house ewe by Auldhouseburn Crackpot. Reserve – Wester Moy Texels, with the ram lamb, Wester Moy Forever by Sportsman Daredevil out of a Garngour gimmer bought at Lanark last year for 4500gns. Aged tup, shearling tup, group of three – C and I Angus, Thurso. Ewe, ewe lamb – K Cameron, Gorebridge. Best in Ross – West Moy Texels.

Texel Champion Gimmer from Kirsty Cameron, Gorebridge, Edinburgh.

Texel Champion Gimmer from Kirsty Cameron, Gorebridge, Edinburgh.

Cross (Judge: S Annand, Newtonmore). Champion – J Campbell and Co, Todholes, Thurso, with a pair of cross-bred three-quarter Texel ewe lambs by a Fearn Texel tup and out of a ewe by a Cambwell Texel. Reserve – R Mackenzie, The Glebe, Boat of Garten, with a pair of Mule ewe lambs. Two Mule gimmers – DA and K Douglas, Wick. Pair of ewes, pair of gimmers, pair of prime lambs – G Breathet, Inverness. Ewe with cross-bred lambs – J Campbell and Co.

Jacob (Judge: S Robertson). Champion and reserve – Barbara Webster, Newburgh. Supreme was the home-bred gimmer, Carochy Vivianne by Pikefield Rambo. Reserve was a shearling ram, Blackbrook Mohawk by an Overdale ram. Ram lamb, gimmer – B Webster. Ewe, ewe lamb, group of three – J Milton, Keith.

North Country Cheviot Park-type (Judge M Williams, Isle of Anglesey). Champion – J Runciman and Son, Allanshaws, Galashiels, with a ewe by Sebay Xcitabl, out of Allanshaws Sweetpea which was reserve at the Royal Highland Showcase last year. Reserve – W and J Thomson, Hownam Grange, Kelso with the three-shear ram, Symington Auld Lang Syne that was male champion at the Great Yorkshire. Age tup – 1, W and J Thomson, Kelso; 2, J Runciman and Sons, Galashiels; 3, DN Campbell and Sons, Thurso. Shearling tup – 1, G Cormack and Sons, Thurso; 2, J Polson Smerlie, Lybster; 3, DN Campbell and Sons. Tup lamb – 1, J Runciman and Sons; 2, DN Campbell and Sons; 3, GRG McCallum and Son, Munlochy. Ewe – 1, J Runciman and Sons; 2 and 3, W and J Thomson. Gimmer – 1, GRG McCallum and Son, Munlochy; 2 and 3, J Runciman and Sons. Ewe – 1, GRG McCallum and Son; 2, DN Campbell and Son; 3, The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust, Thurso. Group of three – 1, J Runciman and Sons; 2, GRG McCallum and Son, Munlochy; 3, J Polson. Group of three females – 1, J Polson; 2, G Cormack and Sons. Best wool – 1, J Polson; 2, GRG McCallum and Son; 3, A Grant, Anstruther.

North Country Cheviot Hill-type (Judge: W Sutherland, Reay). Champion – Badanloch Estate with Showstopper, a three-crop home-bred ewe by Balnakeil Stamper and out of North Loch Naver Nomand. She was shown as a gimmer in 2019 at the show. Reserve and champion male – M Cook, Dorrery, Halkirk with a tup bought as a two-shear from Robert and Becca Rennie, Attonburn last October. The £10,000 tup is by Heatherhope Vicious Stu. Aged tup – 1, M Cook, Dorrery, Halkirk; 2, Badanloch Estate, Kinbrace; 3, J Runciman and Sons, Galashiels. Two-shear tup – 1, North Lochnaver Estates, Kinbrace; 2, Badanloch Estate; 3, M and S Wilson and Sons, Moffat. Shearling – 1, Badanloch Estate; 2 and 3, M Cook. Ram lamb – 1, The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust, Thurso; 2, Badanloch Estate; 3, M and S Wilson and Sons. Ewe – 1, Badanloch Estate; 2, Blingery Farms, Wick; 3, W and J Thomson. Gimmer – 1, W and J Thomson; 2, The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust; 3, Langdale, Kinbrace. Group of three – 1, Mill House, Thurso; 2, M and S Wilson and Sons; 3, The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust. Best wool – 1, Mill House; 2, J Runciman and Sons.

Shetland (Judge: S Graham, Lerwick). Champion and reserve – Dr J Graham and L Thompson, Rothienorman with a home-bred ram lamb by Brae Xsmoulder and out of Raedykes Melissa. Reserve with a home-bred gimmer by the same sire and out of home-bred Sheiling Bourach. Aged tup, ewe lamb, group of three – I and Lesley Carnegie, Huntly. Ewe – E and C Stabkes, Keith. Best wool – J Graham and L Thompson, Inverurie. Best in Ross – Sophie and Laura Urquhart, Inverness.

Suffolk (Judge: MNH McCallum, Dingwall). Champion – W and C Ingram, with a home-bred shearling tup, out of Sonny Bill's dam and will be for sale at their on-farm auction. Reserve – Louise McAuley, Tombain, Dunphail with a ram lamb. Aged ram, gimmer – Keith Ingram, Keith. Ewe – Messrs Bissett, Evanton. Ewe lamb, group of three – L McAuley, Forres.

Suffolk Champion Shearling Tup from W&C Ingram, Logie Durno, Pitcaple.

Suffolk Champion Shearling Tup from W&C Ingram, Logie Durno, Pitcaple.

Zwartbles (Judge: K Williams, Aboyne). Champion – L and R Sharp, Paddock, with a home-bred gimmer, Paddock Juniper by Walridge Moor Finn, champion at Dornoch. Reserve – K and W Anderson, Cairnhill, Farr with a tup lamb, Cairnhill Kinsman by Whitestone Granite out of Greystone Fallon The End. Ewe – P Gill and Mandy Ehteridge, Fortrose. Ewe lamb, group of three – K and W Anderson, Inverness. Best in Ross – Messrs Bissett, Evanton.

Black Isle Show 22 Zwartble Campion Gimmer from Paddock Zwartbles

Black Isle Show 22 Zwartble Campion Gimmer from Paddock Zwartbles

Any other sheep breed (Judge: I MacLeay). Champion and reserve – Deborah Atkinson, Duncanston, Insch with a Blue Texel ewe, Tap’o’Noth Elegance by CJ Casanova. She was also female champion at Echt. Reserve was the January-born Blue Texel tup lamb, Tap’o’Noth Gorilla which is heading for the breed sale at Carlisle. Gimmer, ewe, tup lamb, group of three – D Atkinson, Insch. Ewe lamb – M Hanson and D Irvine, Keith. Aged ram, best in Ross – E Campbell, Muir of Ord.

Crofters’ sheep (Judge: K Budge). Champion – A Williamson, Eallagro, Bragar, Isle of Lewis with Beyonce, a Blackface gimmer by a £10,000 Nunnerie out of a ewe by an £85,000 Elmscleugh. Reserve – K and E Stephen, Dell of Inshes, Inverness with a Texel ewe lamb at her first show. She is by Fordafourie Express. Cheviot ram – C MacDonald, Fort William. Cheviot ram lamb, Cheviot gimmer – D MacLean, Isle of Skye. Cheviot ewe, group of three – C McKinnon, Durine, Durness. Cheviot ewe lamb – Messrs Bisset and Blackwood, Thurso. Blackface ram – C MacDougall, Fort William. Blackface ram lamb, gimmer, ewe lamb, ewe and group of three – A Williamson, Isle of Skye. Suffolk ram, ewe and group of three – Susan Ross and A Milne, Edderton. Suffolk ram lamb, gimmer, ewe lamb – K and Katie Gunn, Thurso. Texel ram, group of three – K and Katie Gunn, Thurso. Texel ram lamb – W MacKay, Thurso. Texel ewe and ewe lamb – K and E Stephen, Inverness. Texel gimmer, prime lamb any breed – Bisset and Blackwood, Thurso.

Young handlers (Judge: J Thorley, Malvern). Overall young handler – Daniel Riach, Banchory. Aged eight to 10 – 1, Ella Budge, Wick; 2, Chloe Anderson, Duffus; 3, Sophie Ingram, Beauly. Aged 11-13 – 1, Erin Reid, Insch; 2, Megan Matheson, Dores; 3, Euan Stables, Keith. Aged 14-16 – 1, Daniel Riach, Banchory; 2, Macey Henderson, Dulnain Bridge; 3, Grant Rhind, Kinloss.

On the hoof/on the hook two butchers lambs champion and reserve – J Campbell, Thurso.