AN EXCELLENT turnout of sheep graced the showfield, located on the outskirts of Newcastleton, near the Scottish Borders, which was also blessed with dry weather, for which the exhibitors were grateful for.

Taking the lead on this occasion and being crowned overall sheep champion was a Blackface ewe lamb, belonging to Gordon Jackson, Blackburn Farm, Newcastleton. She is by an £1800 Dyke sire, and is out of a £4200 Allanfauld ewe.

Commenting on his champion, overall sheep judge, Bruce Walton, of Longtown Mart, said: “I was looking for something that was typical of the breed, and my champion had a sweetness that I liked. I thought she was outstanding within her breed.”

Taking the reserve rosette was Glen Wilson, Hawthornside Farm, Bonchester Bridge, and that was with his Texel one-crop ewe, by a Cairnam sire, out of a home-bred ewe.

For full results, see this week's paper, out on Saturday, September 1, 2018.