Shearers compete at Oban mart

SHEEP shearers came from as far afield as Campbeltown and Lochearnhead to Oban Livestock Centre to pit their skills against one another.

Under the eagle eyes of judges Neil MacPhail, Glenbarr, and Davie Anderson, of Barnakill, Lochgilphead, 13 expert shearers were put through their paces handling some lively ewe hoggs.

Last Saturday’s competition was organised by North Argyll Young Farmers’ Club, and secretary Alex Dunnings said: ‘It was a really good day, and the club would like to thank the judges and everyone who took part, as well as those who came along to spectate.

‘Thanks as well to Caledonian Marts for the use of the mart; Duncan Buchanan, Dan McLaughlin and Fulton Ronald for supplying the sheep; Bron Campbell for the prizes; and to Caroline Ronald for opening up the cafeteria for the day.’

After the two judges had deliberated, Allan Mackenzie from Lochearnhead won the young farmers’ class for both hand and machine shearing, with the open winner being James MacDonald of Benderloch.

a26shearingcomp01no Left to right are Judge Neil Macphail with young farmer first prize winner Allan Mackenzie of Lochearnhead, open winner (machine and handshears) James MacDonald and judge Davie Anderson.

a26shearingcomp02no The main trophy winners and judges at the North Argyll Young Farmers’ Club sheep shearing competition held in Oban Livestock Centre.