A top class entry of sheep forward for the Mid Argyll Branch of the Blackface Breeders' show at Kilmartin, attracted well in excess of 100 head from mainland and island enthusiasts.

Judging was in the capable hands of noted breeder, John MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth, who found his overall champion in a ewe lamb from Robert Mackay and his son Innes, Millpark, who run a handful of ewes just outside Oban. Their show stopper is by an £1800 Crossflatt and bred from a Dalchirla-bred ewe by Dalchirla Boris.

Islay breeder, Alasdair Currie, Ballachlaven, also came up with the goods, winning the blue and white sash with the reserve winner from the open, a gimmer by a £22,000 Dalchirla, that was bought from David Morrison, Dalwyne, as a ewe lamb.

An equally strong show for the confined section was topped by Robert and Iain Shaw, Acharonich, with a suckled gimmer by a £2400 Pole, out of a ewe by an Arnicle ram used on loan.

Local breeder, Lachie Maclean also had a good day winning the best opposite sex with a tup lamb by a £3000 Dalwyne.

LEADING awards

Blackface confined (Judge: J MacGregor, Allanfauld). Champion – R and I Shaw, Acharonich, with a two-year-old ewe by 2400 Pole and out of a ewe by an Arnicle ram used on loan. Reserve – L Maclean, with a ram lamb by a £3000 Dalwyne and out of a ewe by a £4500. Aged ram, tup lamb, gimmer – L Maclean. Shearling ram, senior ewe, junior ewe, confined group – R and I Shaw, Acharonich. Ewe lamb – D Shaw, Innisaig.

Blackface open (Judge: J MacGregor). Champion – R Mackay, Millpark, Oban, with a ewe lamb by an £1800 Crossflatt and out of a Dalchirla-bred ewe by Dalchirla Boris. Reserve – A Currie, Ballachlaven, Islay, with a gimmer by a £22,000 Dalchirla, bought from David Morrison, Dalwyne, as a ewe lamb. Aged ram, shearling ram, senior ewe – J Macpherson, Balliemeanoch, Dalmally. Tup lamb – L Maclean. Junior ewe, group – R and I Shaw, Acharonich. Gimmer – A Currie, Ballachlaven. Ewe lamb – R Mackay, Millpark.