Young turnout for Highland cattle show

Young people brought a lively buzz to the Highland Cattle Society’s 121st autumn show in Oban at the weekend.

Organisers said the popular event at United Auctions’ livestock centre was ‘full of young people and energy’.

As well as a surge in young handlers, there were lots of younger generations among the spectators too.

Despite torrential rain on show day on Sunday, crowds filled the auction mart. Monday was the sale day.

A society spokeswoman said there was a ‘great atmosphere’ and Sunday’s event was ‘highly interactive’.

‘This entertaining show demonstrated Highland cattle showing of the future. The general consensus was that it was full of young people and energy,’ she added.

And Wayne Eaton-Stevens, senior agricultural manager of sponsor Barclays Bank added: ‘A true honour to be involved with such a youthful show this year.’

Overall best young handler Logan Ross showed the overall champion Arin 3rd of Culfoich from J&M McConachie & Son.

Visitors to the show included a party of Danes and a Canadian tourist who heard about the event by chance after her hire car got a puncture.

‘I think it was the universe’s way of getting me here. What a wonderful sight it is to see so many Highland cattle in one place,’ said Theresa Sharma from Guelph, near Toronto.

Simon Haley entered four of his cattle in the show from Seam Fold in County Durham. This was his 10th autumn show – ‘at least’, he said – and added: ‘Highland cattle is a social breed. This is where it all happens. I’ve already booked to come back in February for the spring show.’ The Seam Fold won best steer.

Best yearling went to Arin 3rd of Culfoich shown by Logan Ross for J&M McConachie.

Best heifer calf was Heather 16th of Tordarroch shown by Sarah

Noble for John Cooper.

Sith Ruadh 2nd and Annag Ruadh 10th from the Dunoch Fold, expertly shown by Kate Cameron, won the best pair of suckled calves.

Winner of the under-13 young handlers’ section was Emily Armstrong aged 13, Logan Ross came top in the 14- to 18-year-old section.

Best pair of in-calf heifers were Crystal 12th of Broomrig and Capleadh Prioseag 11th of Broomrigg From the Broomrig Fold for Mr and Mrs D Fountain.

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Photograph: Kevin McGlynn. Erin, Murn and Kate Cameron as they retain the best pair of suckled calves for the Dunach fold. The fold is run by the girls’ dad John on behalf of Lord and lady Denholm.