John Brown was back to his winning ways amongst the breeding sheep at Thainstone to lift the supreme overall following a three-year absence from the Spring Show.

John who runs 550 ewes with his father William at Hilton of Culsh, bagged the big one with Beltex cross hoggs out of home-bred Texel cross Beltex ewes. They are all daughters of Tiree Bill, a tup that stood champion at a breed sale before being purchased by the Browns for 1800gns.

Texel crosses on the first outing from veteran showman, David Black, Minard, Kirriemuir, landed the blue and white sash. They were bred by H Shanks, Easter Cash and bought at Forfar in September, where they are destined for this year. They are out of Suffolk cross Texel ewes.

LEADING awards

(Judge: JF Warnock, Lanark)

Pens of three – Texel cross ewe hoggs – 1 and reserve, D Black, Minard; 2, W and J Brown, Hilton of Culsh; 3, G Breathet, Woodside Croft.

Three Greyface or Mule ewe hoggs – 1 and 2, HP Sleigh and Son, St Johns Wells.

Three Cheviot Mule ewe hoggs – 1, HP Sleigh and Son, St Johns Wells.

Three any other breed – 1 and champion, W and J Brown, Hilton of Culsh; 2, JJ Strachan, New Mains; 3, W and J Brown, Hilton of Culsh.