Reflecting on 80 years of Strathmore Junior Agricultural Club

The club’s inaugural meeting laid the foundation for a legacy that has spanned eight decades. Shortly after its formation, the first cattle stock judging event was held on July 15, hosted by Major Henderson at Lawton Farm, Burrelton. The first sheep stock judging followed on during August 12 at Mr J Findlay’s Hatton of Newtyle Farm.

Club AGM in 1955 Since then, the club has built up a reputation for excellence in stock judging, thanks to local farmers who have hosted numerous events over the years. Their support has encouraged impressive achievements at both individual and team levels.

One of the club’s early notable successes was in 1950 when Donald McLaren was part of the Scottish team that won the cattle judging competition at the Royal Highland Show, beating an American team.

Current members of Strathmore JAC during an AGM this year In February 1952, the team of D Thomson, D McQueen and A Lyburn brought home another victory, winning the SAYFC Beef Cattle Judging competition, competing against 31 other teams.

The club’s tradition of producing talented young farmers continues today, with two current members, Ruby Simpson and Rory Wood, winning the Junior East Cattle Dressing competition after being runners-up in last year’s National final.

East Area Rally handicrafts winners during 1954 Strathmore JAC has always been more than just a platform for agricultural skills. Social activities such as whist drives were immensely popular.

Alongside social events, the club has made significant contributions to charity over the years. With sponsored walks including welly walks and the recent trek up Mount Keen raising funds for Tayside Children’s Hospital, the members’ commitment to giving back is clear. Their efforts last year raised a considerable amount during the Hogmanay Tractor Run for Ninewells ICU. Other charities that have benefited from their initiatives include SCAA, Unicef, Guide Dogs, PAMIS, BBS UK, and Caring for Kids.

2024 winning handicraft display In March 1954, Strathmore’s girls’ team, consisting of Helen Elliot, Janey McLean, Beatrice Marshall, Elizabeth Struthers, Isma Whitton, Kathleen Shaw, and Lorna McLean, won the East Area Girls Handcraft competition, further showcasing the club’s diverse talents. This year, the club added another honour to its long list of achievements by winning the Ralston Cup in the Industrial/Produce Section at the East Area Rally in June, and they proudly secured second place at the 2024 East Club of the Year.

Dinner dance invitation As the club approaches its 80th anniversary, the excitement builds for the upcoming celebrations. A dinner dance was most recently held at the Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee, with over 30 local businesses, led by main sponsor Bruce Farms, contributing to the event. The celebrations will continue with a race night on March 15, 2025, at the Millenium Hall in Birkhill.

The club’s motto – ‘better farmers, better countrymen, better citizens’ – reflects its continuing commitment to agricultural excellence, community involvement, and personal development.

Strathmore JAC club logo

As Strathmore JAC celebrates its 80th anniversary, it is clear that its legacy will continue for generations to come.