BB, a 17-month-old black Limousin cross heifer from Michael and Mark Robertson, Fodderletter Farms, Tomintoul, took a somewhat damp, albeit busy, Echt Show by storm to win the inter-breed beef honours and the overall champion of champions.
Despite the constant drizzle, competition for the inter-breed awards was fierce in the beef, sheep, horse and goat sections. The supreme overall was then selected by four judges picked out of a hat from the four categories.
Taking centre stage was the father-and-son duo’s BB, which was bought at the Thainstone Spectacular in August from Balfour Baillie, Orkney. Already a star performer, this Redriver Powerful-sired entry boasts several big wins to her name and at the show also made up part of the winning inter-breed group of three. Having previously scooped the supreme beef trophy here with a pedigree Limousin, this big win was the family’s first champion of champions at Echt.
Also out for the supreme was Craig Paterson’s inter-breed sheep champion, a home-bred Suffolk gimmer by Lakeview Double Choice from the Cranorskie flock, Aberchirder, and the goat winner, Dr Katy Whitby-Last’s massive Anglo Nubian goatling, Kaverquil Violetta.
The overall horse, Claire Chisman’s champion hunter pony, Tylo Maude Mackintosh, a nine-year-old by Small-land Entertainer out of the multiple champion winner Kitty Kelly, was also forward.
It was a dream come true for Craig who was winning his first supreme sheep title at Echt with the same sheep that was reserve here and at Turriff last year. His Suffolk champion, which was on her first outing of the year, stood ahead of the Blue Texel leader, Jems Juicy Lucy, from Jennifer McKilligan which was selected reserve inter-breed by the sheep judges on a points system. She was inter-breed sheep at Fettercairn Show.
A quartet of home-bred Charollais from sisters Eilidh and Erin Duncan, Barnyards, won the inter-breed group of four with Suffolks from the Lorimer family’s Cadgerford Suffolk flock, Kingswells, in reserve.
Delfur Farms’ Simmental, Delfur Nifty, a young Simmental cow and calf shown by manager Garry Patterson, continued on her winning ways too to lift the breed honours and reserve beef award. She was champion of champions at Angus Show and reserve at the Royal Highland.
Best opposite sex to the inter-breed champion was Ian Miller’s Limousin bull, Millers Artist, a 15-month-old Burnbank Sargeant son.
Reserve inter-breed group of three were commercials from Blair Duffton, Huntly.
LEADING awards
Aberdeen Angus (Judge: D Shand, Banff). Champion – R Gardiner, Newton, Lyne of Skene, with Newton Jill Erica A175, a rising two-year-old heifer by Blelack Hill Blue Lightening out of a previous home-bred Jill Erica that was a former champion at the Black Beauty Bonanza. Second at Fettercairn and at last year’s Black Beauty Bonanza. Reserve – N and M Wattie, Mains of Tonley, Alford, with the six-year-old cow, Tonley Princess, a daughter of Tonley Royal Legend shown with month-old heifer calf at foot. She is sired by the retained bull,Tonley Royal Legend and was on her first outing. Bull, two-year-old heifer, yearling heifer, pair, bred – R Gardiner. Cow – N and M Wattie. Calf – A Davie, Perkhill, Lumphanan.
British Blonde (Judge: S Wilson, Alford). Champion and reserve – Alison Watt, Birkenburn, Keith, with home-bred cattle. Champion was Strathisla Tanya, a four-year-old shown with her second calf at foot, a two-month-old heifer. A daughter of Strathisla Pascoe bred from Allerston Jasmine, Tanya was a big champion winner as a two-year-old. Reserve was a previously unshown yearling bull. Strathisla Andre, a 14-month-old son of Strathisla Santiago is bred from Strathisla Paris. All classes – Alison Watt.
British Blue (Judge: S Wilson). Champion – J Youngson, Westerton, Cullerlie, Echt, with Sunnybank Poloma Faith, a six-year-old in-calf cow bred by Henry Jewitt. A daughter of Empire Du Chain, bred from Rhymil Madonna she was champion here last year and reserve at Banchory. Reserve – B Duffton, Huntly, with Harelaw Star, a four-year-old bred by Jean McKay and purchased in 2024 at Carlisle for 23,000gns. A former champion at Ayr and several other events, she is sired by Henlli Wishmaster and bred from Woodend Leona. Bull, cow, junior heifer, calf – J Youngson. Senior heifer – B Duffton.
Charolais (Judge: S Wilson). Champion – Michelle Hanson and D Irvine, Upper Drakemyres, Forgie, Keith, with Silvermere Unique, a January 2023-born heifer by Clyth Diplomat out of Silvermere Ocala, shown with her heifer calf, Silvermere Bliss by Glenericht Mecca at foot. She is a half sister to the 30,000gns Silvermere Tsunami sold at Stirling, last year, and stood second at the Royal Highland. Reserve – B Duffton, Huntly, with Utopia Unique which stood second in her class to the champion. This similarly aged heifer is by Stranagone Reagan, bred from Utopia Jacqueline and was shown with her bull calf, Boombastic at foot. Bred by Wendy Kingaby, she was champion at Fife, Fettercairn and New Deer in 2025, and at Fettercairn 2026. Bull – Wendy Kingaby, Fraserburgh. Cow with calf, calf – M Hanson and D Irvine. Junior heifer – J Allardyce.
Highland (Judge: D Dempster, Bridge of Cally). Champion – Morag Middleton, Mid Mains of Balfour, Fettercairn, with the two-year-old black heifer, Te Bhan 5 of Innisard, which was bought at Oban in October for 5000gns. Bred by Stuart Knox and Son, she is by Magnus of Ubhaidh and out of Te Bhan of Innisaird. First at the Royal Highland. Reserve – S and Amy Reid, Auchenblae, with the yearling bull, Alfie Dhubh of Glenfarquhar, a black son of Brogach Dubh of Tilbouries used on loan from Jim Fraser and out of Margaret Ruadh of Glenfarquhar. First at Fettercairn and reserve junior male at Stars of the Future. Bull – S and A Reid. Cow with calf, calf – Veronica Thomson, Frosty Brae, Maud. Three-year-old heifer – J Hall, The Gallabog, Rothienorman, Inverurie. Two-year-old heifer, group of three – M Middleton. Yearling heifer – J Singer, Kintore House, Auchenblae.
Limousin (Judge: T Russell, Stirling). Champion and inter-breed best opposite sex to the supreme – I Miller, Miller Farms, Midmar, with the 16-month-old bull, Millers Artist, a son of Burnbank Sargeant out of Spittalton Oanna. Reserve at Angus and Fettercairn. Reserve – RG Youngson, Bendauch, Kinellar, with the November 2024-born heifer, Ronick Viconia, a daughter of Millgate O’Boy out of Ronick Simone. She was bought at the Red Ladies sale at Carlisle in December and was first at Fettercairn. Bull – I Miller. Cow, senior heifer, junior heifer, group of three – RG Youngson.
Shorthorn (Judge: D Hardie, Midmar). Champion – Kirsty Williams, Ranna, Tarland, with Blackjack Foxglove Sally, a four-year-old cow on her show debut shown with nine-month-old heifer calf at foot. Foxglove Sally is sired by Glenisla Excalibur and out of Shawhill Foxglove Maisie. Reserve – Fiona Davidson, Kirkton, Mintlaw, with the March 2024-born heifer, Fordie Valiant Lass which was placed at the Royal Highland. She is sired by Coxhill Prince and out of Elliot Rawburn Lass. Bull – Alison Watt, Birkenburn, Keith. Cow, calf, group of three – Kirsty Williams. Senior heifer – Fiona Davidson. Junior heifer – J Allardyce, Alamein, Tarland.
Simmental (Judge: S Wilson). Champion and reserve inter-breed beef and reserve – Delfur Farms, Rothes. Supreme was Delfur Nifty, an October 2022-born calved heifer by Ballymoney Larry, out of Delfur Joyful, shown by herd manager, Garry Patterson. She was shown with November-born heifer calf at foot and was champion of champions at Angus and reserve at the Royal Highland. Her calf, Delfur Nifty S1, by Islavale Magnum was reserve champion. All classes – Delfur Farms.
Any other breed (Judge: S Wilson). Champion and reserve – Alana Clark, Huntly, with Barwise Ergo, a three-year-old bull bred by Carolyn Fletcher that was bought at a breed sale at Skipton for 5000gns after standing pre-sale champion. He is sired by Maybeck Dundee, and is out of Barwise Ermina. Reserve was the 25-month-old heifer, Monochrome Lancia bought at Castle Douglas for 2000gns from JB and VEL Clowes. Lancia is sired by Fernyford Oscar and out of Monochrome Gladioli. Senior heifer, bull, group of three – Alana Clark. Junior heifer – Joanna Greaves.
Cross cattle haltered (Judge: D Hardie). Champion, inter-breed beef and overall champion of champions – M and M Robertson, Fodderletter Farms, Tomintoul, with BB, an 18-month-old Limousin cross British Blue cross heifer bred by Balfour Baillie, Orkney, that was Rising Stars champion at the Thainstone Christmas Classic and junior commercial champion at Stars of the Future in November. Bought at the Thainstone Spectacular in August, she is sired by Redriver Powerful and this year stood champion at Stirling. Reserve – B Duffton, Huntly, with Bumble, a December 2024-born Limousin cross bullock bought from Finn Christie at the Young Farmers’ Overwintering competition at Thainstone for £5500 in April. He was bred by Gordon Hendry, Heads of Auchinderran and stood second in his class to the champion. Cow – J Youngson. YFC bullock – Cally Harper. YFC heifer, bred pair – G Craig and J Hendry. Yearling heifer, yearling bullock, pair, group of three – M and M Robertson. Heifer under a year old, 2026-born heifer calf – I Miller, Miller Farms. 2026-born bullock calf – B Duffton. Cross cattle young handlers 16yrs and under – 1, Miller Hendry; 2, Sophie McDonald; 3, Ellie Youngson.
Young handlers (Judge: G Wordie, Huntly). Junior 11yrs and under – 1, Sophie McDonald; 2, Megan Brown; 3, Ava Reid; 4, Ellie Youngson. Intermediate 12-15yrs – 1, Ollie Patterson; 2, Tara Adams; 3, Millie Hendry; 4, Jess Williams. Senior 16-26yrs – 1, James Allardyce; 2, Sophie Adams; 3, Eilidh Youngson; 4, Mackenzie Kingaby.
Clydesdales (Judge: Louise Greenhill, Letham). Champion and native supreme – J Ingram, Drumoak, with Barns Lady May, a yearling filly by Collessie Maximus out of Barns Lady Rachel that was placed at the Royal Highland. Reserve – Carol Robertson, Torphins, with the second prize winner to the champion, Tillyneckle Morning Dawn, a yearling filly by Dillars Caledonian out of Balgray Lady Di. She was first here last year and second at Fettercairn and Crathes, this year. Yearling filly – J Ingram. Senior gelding, young handlers – Rachael Stewart. Yeld mare, ridden – Keely Gordon.
Highland (Judge: Jennifer Watt, Methlick). Champion and reserve – Lynne McDonald, Tarland, with Golden Heather of Coynach and Lady Cairngorm of Coynach, respectively. Champion was a cream dun yearling filly by Islay Malt of Coynach out of July Mist of Coynach that was reserve at the Crathes Grass Sickness Show. Reserve was a two-year-old filly that was also reserve here last year. She is by Monarch O’ The Glens and out of Pavlova of Whitefield. Gelding, ridden – Victoria Lord. Mare – Olivia Stracgab-Heyes. Yearling, two-year-old – Lynne McDonald.
Standard Shetland (Judge: Susan Dunnet, Caithness). Champion and supreme Shetland – Kayleigh Nicol, winning for the third year in succession with Warrackstone Tamara, a 15-year-old mare sired by Scamells Criterium out of Tay of Hutton. She was also supreme at Brodie and Banchory in 2025. Reserve – S Sinclair, Orkney, with the nine-year-old mare, Unigarth Valene, which was champion at Turriff and reserve female at the Royal Highland last year. She is sired by Unigarth Eric, out of Unigarth Valetta and was shown with April-born filly foal at foot. Yeld mare/senior gelding – Kayleigh Nicol. Mare with foal, foal, yearling – S Sinclair. Two/three-year-old – Colleen Reid. Entire male – Clair Stewart. Lead rein – Lucy Turner.
Miniature Shetland (Judge: Susan Dunnet). Champion – Stephanie Mitchell, with the 15-year-old yeld mare, Tillyorn Violet Bay, bred by James Burr. A veteran champion winner, she is sired by Wells Barron and was on her first outing of 2026. Reserve – Margaret Greaves with Hallstock Sea Mist, a three-year-old filly by Kerrswell Dolphin out of Hallstock Selina. Supreme at the Northern Working Horse Society Show at Brodie in 2025. Yeld mare, mare with foal, foal – Stephanie Mitchell. Three-year-old – Margaret Greaves. Entire male – J Burr.
Beltex (Judge: A Morton, Stirling). Champion – A Miller, Miller Farms, Midmar, with Lurg Kylie, a home-bred ewe by Smartass Jackpot out of Buckles Gem, that was champion at the Royal Highland and reserve inter-breed sheep at Angus. Reserve – S Wood, Skene, Westhill, with a March-born ram lamb on his show debut. Woodies Masterplan, a son of Mellorvale King Kong is bred from Woodies Gardinia which was female champion at the Royal Highland in 2024. Masterplan is bound for the breed sale at Carlisle, next month. Shearling ram, ewe, gimmer, ewe lamb, group of three – A Miller. Tup lamb – S Wood.
Bluefaced Leicester (Judge: S Nelson, Carnwath). Champion – R Blackhall, The Green, Raemoir, Banchory, with a previously unshown gimmer by a Watersyke P1 out of a home-bred ewe by a Rossiebank F1. Reserve – N Dow, Upper Sauchen, Ordhead, with a home-bred Garrich one-crop ewe by a Towdypotts sire bought at Carlisle out of a Kildalloig-bred ewe bought at the Blue Belles sale at Carlisle in 2021. Aged ram, shearling ram, gimmer, ewe lamb, group of three – R Blackhall. Ewe – N Dow.
Blue Texel (Judge: Melissa Irvine, Keith). Champion and reserve inter-breed sheep – Jennifer McKilligan, Mains of Newtongarry, Drumblade, with Jems Juicy Lucy, a home-bred two-crop ewe by Caryl’s Hulk out of Nantyderri Going for Gold. First at the Royal Highland last month and supreme sheep at Fettercairn Show. Last year, she was champion at Echt and Turriff and inter-breed sheep at New Deer and Grantown. Reserve – WJ and M Hunter, West Cairnhill, Insch, with Hunters Hellsangel, an end of February-born ewe lamb by Coniston Quato Star bred from the family’s Hunters show ewe. First outing. Tup – Karan Adams. Shearling ram, gimmer, ewe lamb – WJ and M Hunter. Ewe, ram lamb – J Mckilligan.
Suffolk (Judge: R Machray, Daviot). Champion and supreme sheep – C Paterson, Cranna Bridge, Aberchirder, with last year’s reserve winner here, a gimmer by Lakeview Double Choice out of a home-bred ewe by Salopian Scuderia. She was also reserve at Turriff last year and was on her first outing of 2026. Reserve – C Paterson with a ewe lamb by Limestone Ace of Spades which was bought at Carlisle, out of a home-bred Strathbogie Stormzy-sired ewe on her first outing. Shearling ram, tup lamb, reserve inter-breed group of four – S Lorimer. Ewe, gimmer, ewe lamb – C Paterson.
Texel (Judge: R Wilson, Turriff). Champion – DJ McKerrow, Uppermill, Ellon, with a gimmer by Clanfield Golden out of a ewe by Knock Yankee. She was placed at the Royal Highland. Reserve – S Stewart, Leylodge, Kintore, with the champion from Fettercairn, and the second prize gimmer to the champion. She is also by Clanfield Golden but bred from a ewe by Holylee Foreman. Aged ram – S Hunter. Ewe, gimmer, tup lamb, ewe lamb, group of four – DJ McKerrow. Shearling ram – R Blackhall, The Green, Raemoir.
Any other breed (Judge: C Crawford, Peterhead). Champion and reserve – A Polson, Stonehaven, with North Country Cheviots. Champion was the reserve inter-breed sheep champion from the Royal Highland Show, Smerlie Gloria, a gimmer by Kilvaddy Class Act brought out by shepherd Raymond Smith. She is bred from a home-bred ewe. Reserve was Cornoquoy First-Class a two-shear that was bought at Quoybrae last year for £4800 from the Smith family. He is sired by Soutra Cannonball and was fourth at the Royal Highland. Ram, ewe, gimmer, tup lamb, ewe lamb, group of four – A Polson.
Any other continental (Judge: A Anderson, Elgin). Champion – W and S Hunter, West Cairnhill, Culsalmond, with High Ploughlands Godfather, a Badgerface Texel shearling ram on his first outing by Knockmult Earl out of Sunnybank Amazing, bought at Carlisle from Hannah Pedley. First outing. Reserve – C Cruden, Standingstones, Dyce, with a Bleu Du Maine ewe. Tup – W and S Hunter. Ewe – C Cruden. Gimmer, tup lamb, ewe lamb, group of four – Laura Troup, Shaggart, Inverurie.
Ryeland coloured (Judge: Janice Milne, Stirling). Champion – Katie Harding (13), Mill of Meadaple, Rothienorman, with a one-crop coloured ewe on her first outing. Meadaple Emma which was on her first outing of the year is a former Scottish National champion at Kinross as a gimmer and is sired by Yettie out of a Bodylair ewe. Reserve – C Thomson with Maud Diago, a two-shear ram by Bodylair Asland out of Jardine Chanelle. Ram, ewe lamb – C Thomson, Ewe – Jemma Spencer. Gimmer – Rebecca Easton. Tup lamb – J Dodds
Ryeland white (Judge: Janice Milne). Champion and reserve overall Ryeland – Gillian Gettings, Friockheim, with a shearling ram. Renmure Forest Gump, a home-bred ram is sired by Ryeside Dalesland and was placed at several shows last year. Reserve – Edith Garrett, with Gormack Gamrie, a ewe lamb by Landriggs Cardhu, out of a Hawthornes dam. First in her class at Scottish National at Stirling. Tup, tup lamb – Gillian Gettings. Ewe, gimmer, ewe lamb – Eilidh Garrett.
Oxford Down (Judge: A Rutherford, Gretna). Champion and reserve – K Mitchell with a January-born ram lamb on his first outing by Landrigg Donnie Bright which was bought privately from Andrew Rutherford. The dam is a Bennachie ewe bought privately from Kevin Milne. Reserve from Mr Milne who was exhibiting at his third show having established his flock two years ago, was a ram lamb bred the same way as the champion from his 14-strong ewe flock. Ram – G Reid. Ewe – K Milne. Ewe lamb, tup lamb – K Mitchell.
Charollais (Judge: A Davies, Whitecairns). Champion and reserve and inter-breed group of four – Eilidh and Erin Duncan, Barnyards, Mintlaw. Supreme was a gimmer by Foxhill Bandit out of a home-bred ewe. She was first in her class at several shows in 2025. Reserve was a tup lamb by the same sire. He was third at the Royal Highland. All classes – Eilidh and Erin Duncan.
Cross sheep pens of three (Judge: J Matthew, Huntly). Champion – Sarah Finnie, New Seat, Balthangie, with home-bred Suffolk cross Half-bred ewes by a Redbrae sire. Champion at Fettercairn. Reserve – N Dow, Upper Sauchen, Ordhead, with home-bred Texel cross gimmers by a Sheeoch sire, out of Suffolk cross ewes on their first outing. Native gimmers – S Douglas. Continental gimmers – N Dow. Cross ewes – Sarah Finnie. Cross ewe nursing lambs born after March 1 – R Blackhall, The Green. Native-bred ewe lambs – G Forbes. Continental-bred ewe lambs – Faye Wilkie, Braigiewell, Echt. Butchers lambs – E Milton.
Cross sheep singles (Judge: J Matthew). Champion and overall cross-bred champion and reserve – R Blackhall, The Green, with a home-bred Texel cross Bluefaced Leicester gimmer on her first outing. Reserve – R Blackhall with a previously unshown home-bred Texel cross shearling ram by Townhead Frank The Tank. He is bred from a three-quarter-bred Texel cross Bluefaced Leicester ewe and is bound for the Kelso Ram Sales. Tup, gimmer – R Blackhall. Ewe – Sarah Finnie. Lamb – Faye Wilkie.
Pet lambs – 1 and 2, S Wood; 3, J Adamson.
Young handlers (Judge: S Nelson, Carnwath). Junior 7yrs and under – 1, Sienna Marr; 2, Harriet Groat; 3, Rudi Shepherd. Intermediate 8-11yrs – 1, Ava Alston; 2, Murray Wood; 3, Logan Duncan. Senior 12-16yrs – 1, Katie Harding; 2, Alan Alston; 3, Archie Groat.
Milking goats (Judge: E Fraser, Beauly). Champion – Dr Katy Whitby-Last, with the Anglo Nubian goatling, Kaverquil Violetta a daughter of Kaverquil Grompus out of RM165 Kaverquil Cherry a QStar1 goat. First at Angus and the British Goat Society Show at Forfar. Reserve – Dr Katy Whitby-Last with the two-year-old Anglo Nubian billy, Kaverquil Julius by Mineshop Buzzard out of Kaverquil Cherry. Milker, goatling, kid, male – Dr Katy Whitby-Last.
Pygmy goats (Judge: E Fraser). Champion and reserve – Cheryl Blain, with the 18-month-old billy, Willowbrae Orlando bred by Clare Franklin. He is sired by Barhamshill Stanley. Reserve – Cheryl Blain with the goatling, Drumshade Blossom a home-bred daughter of Brucklay Oslo out of Mollfol Fern. First at the Grampain Goat Show. Adult female – Claire Bailey. Goatling, Kid – Cheryl Blain.
Shepherds crooks, walking sticks – Champion – I McConchie, Alva, with an elm burr stick.
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