Young handlers show they are future of the breed
Highlanders descended on Oban Livestock Centre this weekend with the biggest turnout of young handlers ever witnessed at the autumn show.
Highland Cattle Society show announcer Angus Mackay told spectators; ‘What a wonderful sight, it really is. These young people are the future of the breed. We will be seeing a lot of them in years to come.’
Logan Ross from Stirling took the title of champion young handler for the 14 and under age section, beating stiff competition from others aged eight upwards.
Ethan Braines, eight, from County Durham was back in the arena again after last year and he was joined by others including Halford brothers Jack, eight, and Tom, 14, from Kipper Lyn in Northumberland. Their younger brother Oliver, five, will be making his debut next year, keeping it a family affair. Young handlers need to be at least six to show in the ring.
The champion sash from this season’s 122nd annual show went to Heather the 12th from Tordarroch UK, led by Sarah Noble. Reserve champion was Anna of Eilean Mora.
There were 104 entries registered for the show, delighting Highland Cattle Society president Gordon Mcconachie.
Breeders and buyers from all over the country bustled around the busy centre, drawing a good crowd from the public too.
Mr Mcconachie said despite the threat of Brexit, there was still a good presence from the likes of Germany, France and Denmark in particular.
‘There might be some uncertainty but as a society we’ve been working with the government to make sure we have everything in place for after October 31 as far as we can,’ he said.
Cattle bought at Monday’s sale have to spend four weeks in quarantine before being allowed abroad.
Breeder Andrew McPhee from Strathpeffer, who has been a regular at the show for 15 years, was hoping to get a sale after winning fourth and fifth rosettes for his fold.
‘Winning at the show is just a bonus, it’s getting a sale that’s important. Buyers from Europe might be feeling a bit nervous because of Brexit but time will tell,’ he said. Last year a bull at the show sold for 11,000 gns.
Trophies and prizes were presented to winners at the society’s dinner at Oban’s Royal Hotel on the Sunday evening.
More photographs on Farming, page 38.