This year’s Highland Show sirloin steak competition was won by Eric Scott, Mains of Kindrought, Strichen with a 382kg, 25-month Simmental cross heifer which graded at R4L. It was Mr Scott’s first time entering the Tesco competition which was run in conjunction with Kepak MacIntosh Donald.

The competition saw 160 entrants from across Scotland with all the animals slaughtered at Portlethan and hung for 30 days. They entries were then whittled down to 12 sirloins to be cooked on the Tesco stand at the show. Amongst the five judges were chair of Quality Meat Scotland chair Kate Rowell and previous winner Noel Gall from Mintlaw. The steaks were judged on appearance, taste, tenderness and succulence. The farmers had also been interviewed on sustainability, animal health and welfare which was included in the scoring.

Runner up in the competition was an 18-month Aberdeen-Angus cross steer from JS Baird and Son, Lurdenlaw Farm, Kelso. It also graded R4L and weighed 321kg and took the best Aberdeen-Angus award.

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Third was J and AF Davidson, Tarbothill, Bridge of Don, who entered a nearly 18-month Simmental steer weighing 398kg, grading R4L.

The other finalists were W&J Cameron, Burnside of Edingight; WA Fettes, Braes of Enzie; Bowlands Farms, Galashiels; Auchtydore Farms, Easterton of Lenabo; GM Masson, Denhead Farm; W&J Singer, Dunbar House; David Megahy, Applecross, Lauder; W Reid and Co (Muirton), Overhill, Whitecairns; and I&M Emslie, Little Barras, Fordoun.