The 204th Banchory Show saw several honorary memberships presented by the previous show secretary Jane Winton to former president David Martin and the current show secretary Ernie Christie, both of whom had served on the committee for 53 years.
Other honorary memberships were awarded to Eddie and Marion Gillanders who were recognised for their enormous contribution to agricultural journalism as a whole and for their support and promotion of Banchory Show.
The overall champion of champions – awarded on a points system by the inter-breed judges – was presented to the supreme sheep, a one-crop Blue Texel ewe from Stuart Wood, Skene.
His showstopper, Saltire Golden Girl, by Sunnybank Exchange Rate and out of Hackney Classy, was reserve female champion at the Royal Highland Show and stood first at Echt.
Reserve overall was the inter-breed beef champion, Little Miss Muffet, the commercial leader from Blair Duffton, Huntly. His 23-month-old Limousin cross heifer, bred by John and Craig Robertson, was second at the Royal Highland, reserve inter-breed at Fettercairn, champion at Stars of the Future, New Deer and the Thainstone Spectacular, and reserve at Echt Shows.
Supreme horse was the two-year-old Clydesdale filly Arradoul Concerto, by Collessie Highlander out of Arradoul Elizabeth, from George Young, Kinbate Croft, Turriff.
Strong competition in the Texel lines saw the reserve sheep honours presented to the breed champion, a gimmer from Kenny Pratt, Oldtown. She is sired by Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants and was second at the Royal Highland Show.
Heather Duff, Pitmudie, Brechin secured the equivalent among the beef with Pitmudie Natalie, an April 2022-born Simmental heifer by Overhill House Eragon.
Local Highland pony breeders Robin and Karen Stewart, Durris, took the reserve native horse title with West Lodge Liberty a three-year-old filly by Coulnacraig Jacobite that was reserve breed champion at New Deer.
Leading Awards
Aberdeen Angus (Judge: Caroline Morton, Lanark). Champion and reserve – G and Fiona Willox, Old Meldrum, Inverurie. Champion was the four-year-old Cardenwell Iona W166 a twin-born by Moncur Fergus P226 out of Mosston Muir Ingrid L289. Reserve was Cardenwell Blossom S087, an eight-year-old show cow by the herd’s stock bull, Burnside Jamie Eric. Cow, senior heifer, bull calf – G and Fiona Willox. Junior heifer – K and M Howie.
Charolais (Judge: E Mutch, Banff). Champion – JB Wilkie and Sons, Ballindalloch, with Lettoch Tanya a September-2022 born heifer that was champion at Echt. Sired by Harestone Otto, out of Lettoch Oti. Reserve – Wendy Kingaby, Mains of Auchmeddan, with Utopia Unique a January-2023 born heifer by Stranagone Reagan out of a home-bred cow. Bull – W Kingaby, Junior heifer – JB Wilkie and Sons.
Simmental (Judge: J Currie, Lanark). Champion and reserve – Heather Duff, Pitmudie, Brechin. Champion was Pitmudie Natalie, an April 2022-born heifer by Overhill House Eragon, out of Pitmudie Gayle. Placed at the Royal Highland, Angus, Fettercairn and Kirriemuir shows. Reserve was Pitmudie Nighthawk 22 a 21-month-old son of Overhill House Eragon out of Pitmudie Irish Mist. All classes – H Duff.
Limousin (Judge: E Mutch, Banff). Champion and reserve – I Miller, Midmar, Inverurie. Champion was Millers UFO a 15-month-old bull by Gunnerfleet Lion, bred from Westpit Milky. Placed at the Royal Highland, Fettercairn and Angus. Destined for the Bull Sales at Stirling in October. Reserve was Millers Unite, a 10-month-old heifer by Ampertaine Elgin, bred from Westpit Silly. Reserve at Echt Show. Bull, junior heifer – I Miller. Cow – RG Youngson. Senior heifer – B Duffton.
British Blonde (Judge: J Currie, Lanark). Champion and reserve –Alison Watt, Birkenburn, Keith. Champion was Strathisla Tanya, a two-year British Blonde in-calf heifer sired by Strathisla Pascoe, out of Allerstone Jasmine. Champion at Echt and reserve at New Deer Show. Reserve was Strathisla Viscount a January-2024 son of Strathisla Romeo. All classes – A Watt.
Highland (Judge: S Hunter, Shotts). Champion – J Singer, Kintore Castle, Auchenblae, with Cary Cora Dubh of Kintore Castle, a two-year-old heifer bred from Cora Dubh of Applecross and sired by Conker of Seam. Champion at Fife, reserve junior female at the Royal Highland and reserve at Angus in 2023. Reserve – Tilbouries fold, Maryculter with Oighng Dhubh 16 of Tilbouries shown by Sophie Adams. The two-year-old heifer was reserve at the Black Isle, New Deer and Echt in 2023. Bull, junior heifer – Morag Middleton. Cow, calf – Tilbouries fold. Heifer – J Singer.
British Blue (Judge: E Mutch, Banff). Champion – B Duffton, Huntly, with the British Blue Harelaw Star, bred by Jean Mackay Parker. An in-calf heifer by Henlli Wishmaster, she is bred from Woodend Leonna. Champion at New Deer, Fife, Angus, Fettercairn, Echt and reserve inter-breed at Ayr. Reserve – JS Youngson, Westhill, Aberdeen, with Sunnybank Paloma Faith, a four-year-old by Empire D’Ochain out of Rhymil Madonna, bought at Carlisle for 4800gns after standing reserve female champion. Reserve champion at Echt 2024 and champion at Turriff 2023. Bull, cow, junior heifer, bull calf – J S Youngson. Senior heifer – B Duffton.
Shorthorn (Judge: J Currie, Lanark). Champion – Fiona Davidson, Kirkton, Mintlaw, with February 2023-born bull, Fordie Taskmaster, by Coxhill Prince and out of Glenisla Eva Broadhooks J98. Reserve junior champion at Stars of the Future 2023 and champion at Echt. Reserve – G and D Allardyce, Tarland, with Rinmore Allaire, a 21-month-old heifer by Dunsyre Machiavelli, out of Rinmore Allies. Reserve at Fettercairn and first at Echt and New Deer. Bull, cow, senior heifer, bull calf – A Watt. Junior bull – F Davidson. Junior heifer – G and D Alladyce.
Any other breed (Judge: J Graham, Stirling). Champion – M Poyser and daughters, Molly, Maisie and Hope, New Aberdour, Fraserburgh, with Milovaig 1 Vindicator, a three-year-old Hereford bull by Shraden 1 Perostroika, out of Milovaig 1 Bonnie Belle 6, bought privately from Callum Smith. Second at the Royal Highland and overall champion of champions at Echt. All classes – M Poyser and daughters.
Commercial (Judge: R Hood, Kirriemuir). Champion – B Duffton and S Smith, Huntly with Little Miss Muffet, an August 2022-born Limousin cross heifer bred by Craig Robertson that was second at the Royal Highland Show, champion and reserve inter-breed at Fettercairn, champion at Stars of the Future, New Deer and the Thainstone Spectacular, and reserve at Echt. Reserve – Miller Farms Ltd with a two-year-old heifer. Cow, senior suckled bullock calf – B Paterson. Yearling bullock, yearling heifer – B Duffton. Two-year-old heifer, junior suckled bullock calf, junior suckled heifer calf, cross cow with suckled heifer calf at foot – Miller Farms Ltd. YFC heifer (14-29yrs) – F Wilkie. Cross cow with suckled bullock calf, suckled bullock calf born after Jan 1, suckled heifer calf born after Jan 1, – S Smith. Suckled heifer calf born Aug 1-Dec 31, 2023 – JS Youngson. Best calf reared by junior stock person U16 – Ellie Youngson.
Cattle young handlers (Judge – E Mutch, Banff). Senior – 1, James Allardyce; 2, Sophie Adams; 3, Molly Poyser. Junior – 1, Tara Adams; 2, Lily Smith; 3, Cameron Elliot.
Clydesdale (Judge: I Johnston, Falkirk). Champion – G Young, Kinbate Croft, Turriff with a two-year-old Clydesdale filly, Arradoul Concerto, by Collessie Highlander out of Arradoul Elizabeth. Reserve – J Ingram, Drumoak, Banchory, with the yearling filly Barns Maisie, a daughter of Collessie Highlander out of Barns Lady Rachel. Fifth at the Royal Highland and reserve inter-breed horse at Echt. Foal – K Mallarky. Yeld mare – G Young. Colt, best grooming, gelding – Beth Noble and M Johnstone. Two-year-old Filly – Arradoul Clydesdales. Yearling filly – J Ingram. Ridden – K Gordon.
Highland ponies (Judge: Mrs J Watt, Methlick). Champion – R and K Stewart, Durris, Aberdeenshire with West Lodge Liberty a three-year-old filly bred from Westlodge Ashley and by Coulnacraig Jacobite. Reserve at New Deer Show. Reserve – L MacDonald, Tarland with yearling filly Corrieden Ivy. Gelding – D Martin. Mare – S MacIntosh. Mare with foal, two-three-year-old – R and K Stewart. Foal, yearling – L McDonald. In saddle – J Freeman. Young handler – 1, Hannah MacIntosh; 2, Skye Cowe.
Shetland (Judge: E Carlisle, Lockerbie). Champion – W Mouser, Fraserburgh with the yeld mare, Zennor Jasmine. Reserve – C Forbes, Drummuir, Keith with yeld mare Lynemoor Mirrie Dancer. Male, two/three-year-old – C Stewart. Gelding in saddle – C Miller. Yeld mare, yearline – W Mouser. Mare, foal – K Gibb. Coloured – W Fyvie. Young handlers – 1, K Nicol; 2, L Currie; 3, R Valentine.
Miniature Shetland (Judge: E Carlisle, Lockerbie). Champion – A Thornley with the five-year-old stallion Alichbrae Bruno, by Kerswell Merlot out of Buxted Beaujolais. Bred by Stevie Mckay, he stood second at the Royal Northern Spring Show and inter-breed horse champion at Fife. Reserve – S Berwick, Aboyne with yeld mare Stranduff Nefertiti. Stallion, two/three-year-old – A Thornley. Yeld mare/gelding, coloured – S Berwick. Yearling – G Thomson. Mare with foal, foal – A Irvine.
Suffolk (Judge: P Gray, Ayrshire). Champion – JA Lorrimer, Cadgerford, Kingswell with a ewe. Reserve – G Troup, Sauchen, Inverurie with a ewe. All classes – JA Lorimer.
Blackface (Judge: A MacKinnon, Dunkeld). Champion and reserve – SW Robertson, Avonside, Dufftown. Champion was a ewe lamb on its first outing bred by an £800 Glenhead sire out of a 7000gns McEvoy-sired dam. Reserve was a ram lamb by a £7000 Woolfords sire, out of a 5500gns Conway-sired dam. All classes – SW Robertson.
Texel (Judge: A Clark, Lanark). Champion – K Pratt, Peterculter, Aberdeen with a gimmer by Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants out of a Sportsman Chieftain-sired dam. Second at the Royal Highland Show. Reserve – Deevalley Texels, Raemoir, Banchory with a gimmer by the 4000gns Harestone Fury out of a Cairnam-bred ewe bought at the Lanark Christmas Cracker sale for 5000gns. Champion at Fettercairn and Echt. Aged ram, shearling ram – R Blackhall. Ewe, pair of ram lambs, pair of ewe lambs – Deevalley Texels. Gimmer, ram lamb, group of three – K Pratt. Ewe lamb – C Cruden.
Bluefaced Leicester (Judge: Kate Smith, Castle Douglas). Champion – Nicol Dow, Upper Sauchen, Sauchen, with a gimmer on her first outing by a Woodcroft R001 sire. She was bought in utero of a Killdalloig dam purchased at the 2023 Bluebells sale at Carlisle. Reserve – R Blackhall, Milton of Durris, with the three-shear ram Watersyke P1, by a Parton sire, purchased at Carlisle. Aged ram, shearling ram – R Blackhall. Ewe, gimmer, ewe lamb – N Dow. Ram lamb – S Burnett.
Bluefaced Leicester crossing-type (Judge: Carolyn Milne, Elgin). Champion – D Cowie, Bridge of Dye with a two-crop ewe sired by Wedderburn M1. Reserve – J Millican, Boroughbriggs with the Firth-bred aged ram purchased as a lamb at Carlisle after standing fourth in his class. He is sired by a Nunscleugh ram. Aged ram, ewe lamb, group of three, pair of ram lambs, pair of ewe lambs – J Millican. Shearling ram, ram lamb, gimmer – C Millican. Ewe – D Cowie.
Northern short-tail (Judge: I Carnegie, Huntly). Champion – N and Z Robson, Cairnie, Huntly with the British Icelandic ewe lamb Loanhead Ginny. Reserve – Dr JW Graham and L Thompson, Upper Third Croft, Rothienorman, with the home-bred shearling ram Shieling Floki. Consistently placed, his full brother was champion at the Black Isle. Aged ram – D and C Collie. Shearling ram, ewe, gimmer – Dr J Graham and L Thompson. Ewe lamb – N and Z Robson.
Beltex (Judge: A Morton, Stirling). Champion – A Miller, Midmar, with the ewe Lurg Hiccup sired by Vickies Gladiator out of the am Lurg Fern. She was overall champion at Echt and the National Beltex show. Reserve – S Wood, Skene with a home-bred gimmer out of Kingledores Felicity, and sired by Woodies Explosive. First at the Beltex National Show and second at the Royal Highland. Ram, gimmer, group of three – S Wood. Shearling ram, ewe, ram lamb, ewe lamb, pair of ram lambs, pair of ewe lambs – A Miller.
Blue Texel (Judge: D Alexander, Ayrshire). Champion and supreme – S Wood, Skene, with the home-bred one-crop ewe Saltire Golden Girl, bred from Hackney Classy and sired by Sunnybank Exchange Rate ET. Reserve – Deborah Atkinson, Insch with Derg Foxylady, a two-crop-ewe by Beili Blues Euphoric out of Derg Dakota. Champion at Fettercairn and reserve at New Deer. Aged ram, group of three – D Atkinson. Ewe – S Wood. Gimmer, ram lamb – N Robertson. Ewe lamb – D and L Roger.
Ryeland (Judge: Susan Dryden, Lockerbie). Champion – Ashlie Munro, Whiterashes, with the March-born ram lamb sired by Landrigg out of Upper Pattrichie ewe. First at Echt and reserve male champion at New Deer. Reserve – Eilidh and S Garrett, Blackhall, Drumoak, with Gormack Don by Ryeside Burian out of a Redsewell ewe. Champion at Echt. Aged ram – R and Beth Aitken. Shearling ram – Jemma Spencer. Ewe – K Harding. Gimmer – Eilidh and S Garrett. Ram lamb, ewe lamb– Ashlie Munro.
Any other continental (Judge: A Morton, Stirling). Champion – C Crudden, Standingstones, Dyce with a Bleu Du Maine ewe by Standingstones Ramos out of a Perdi ewe purchased at the flock dispersal. Reserve at the Royal Highland and any other breed champion at Echt and New Deer. Reserve – S Wood, Skene with a Badger Face Texel gimmer by Woodies Full Monty out of an imported ewe. Aged ram, ewe lamb – Laura Needham (Dutch Spotted). Shearling ram, ewe, ram lamb, group of three – C Cruden (Bleu du Maine). Gimmer – S Wood (Badger Face Texel). Ewe lamb pair – Gayle and A Marr.
Any other native (Judge: R MacDonald, Grantown-on-Spey). Champion – A Polson, Portlethen, with a North Country Cheviot three-shear ram, Kinaldy Class Act, sired by Allanshaws Xcavator out of a Kinaldy ewe by Synton Rambo. Reserve – C
and C Crawford, Teuchitfauld, Peterhead with a home-bred Lleyn ewe by a £1700 Cragg that was champion at 2023 Royal Highland Show champion. Aged ram, shearling ram, group of three (North Country Cheviot) – A Polson. Ewe (Lleyn) – C and C Crawford. Gimmer, ram lamb (Cheviot) – L Gallier. Pair of ewe lambs (Kerry Hill) – G Ben.
Cross sheep (Judge: P Wood, Stirling). Champion – R Blackhall, Milton of Durris with a pair of traditional Blueface Leicester cross Texel home-bred gimmers. Reserve – G Breathet, Woodside Croft, Inverness with a ewe. Ewe of any breed or cross – G Breathet. Gimmer paid any breed or cross – R Blackhall. Three Texel cross lambs, three lambs of any cross, best group – N Dow. Three butchers’ lambs – R Wilkie. Pet lamb – Erin Anderson.
Young handlers – Senior – 1, Wilson Stott. Intermediate – 1, Neil Barclay; 2, Archie Groat; 3, Lucas Marr. Junior – 1, Amy Watson; 2, Declan Watson; 3, Georgie Watson.
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