By Kathryn Dick

There is no doubt that there has been a power of hard work and determination put into the preparation of the Royal Highland Showcase, with stewards and directors working tirelessly to ensure that the virtual spin on this prestigious event is nothing other than spectacular.

Stepping up to the mark in his fourth year as a director for the RHASS board, as well as standing as chief heavy horse steward, will be Tom Tennant, Gilmanscleuch, Ettrick, who is kept busy on the 600ha hill farm, which is home to 1100 sheep comprising 250 Cheviot Mules, 25 Border Leicester ewes and the rest pure South Country Hill Cheviots.

"We breed all our own replacements, with the Cheviot put to the Bluefaced Leicester to produce Cheviot Mules, or the Border Leicester to produce the old Half-bred sheep, which are coming back into fashion," said Tom.

The Cheviot Mules are then put to Texels to produce prime lambs, of which most are sold deadweight through Farm Stock (Scotland) when they hit 42kg. Tom also runs a herd of 60 home-bred outwintered suckler cows, which are crossed with a Simmental bull with heifers going to a Beef Shorthorn.

As well as being the current president of the South Country Cheviot Society, Tom's main hobby is his 12 Clydesdale horses.

"My father, Peter, enjoyed working with Clydesdales before I was born, so I grew up with them on the family farm at West Forth. This ultimately led my two brothers, Jimmy and Peter and I down a similar path and we now run our own Clydesdales under my father's West Forth prefix, whilst I also have the ‘Singlie’ prefix.

"My sister, Ray and her husband, Robbie, also have Clydesdales under the Stobilee prefix and the love of horses has also landed on my son, Andrew's shoulders, who is now a full-time farrier," added Tom.

"Working with Clydesdales is a tradition that we cannot lose and once you get involved with them, they get into your blood – it soon becomes a disease! Everyone is striving to continually improve and breed a better animal, and that’s what keeps us going."

Having attended the Highland as an exhibitor for some time, Tom and his family have enjoyed many successes in the show ring with their much-loved Clydesdales.

"Every Highland has a memory and that's what makes the show so special. Our best year would be in 2016 when we stood reserve amongst the females and my brother, Jimmy, won the geldings," stated Tom.

Now in his fourth year as a RHASS director, Tom is looking forward for what is gearing up to be a hugely successful week for the show after months of careful planning and preparation.

"The way the show is being run this year is in a big open area with ample space, so there should be no issues regarding social distancing. The entire RHASS team felt like a show had to happen this year and so everything has been planned and executed by the rule book, and we are abiding by all Scottish Government guidelines," said Tom.

"As a director, I am very much enjoying my position and being part of a great team, as it has given me a completely different insight into how the Royal Highland is organised – people don't realise how much of a business it is.

"I have attended the show every year, whether that be judging or showing, so it's a great feeling to finally be returning to Ingliston this year," he added.

"We knew going forward that we would never get the same entries as the Highland Show proper, however, entries have exceeded our expectations and we are delighted with the support," Tom said.

"There were people who were desperate to get back to competing at the Highland and have entered, and there are others who are still scared of the disease and feel it’s a bit premature for a show of any sort.

"The main issue exhibitors have highlighted in not showing, is the time it takes to get their stock ready in for such an event.

"Prepping Clydesdales for the likes of the Highland Show starts in January and a few exhibitors probably felt that there would be no show, so horses weren’t properly prepared," explained Tom.

After taking on the role as chief heavy horse steward in 2019, Tom is hoping to ensure that younger exhibitors are catered for more in years to come.

"It is very much a team effort organising the heavy horse sections of the show but my main job is to oversee all the heavy horse judging. I also meet and greet exhibitors and judges, and deal with any arising problems.

"We are also starting a Shetland pony young handlers section at next year's show, so we are hoping that will be gratefully received by breeders."

Tom is also confident that the virtual spin on the Highland will be enjoyed by viewers across the country and further afield.

"This year's online event is going to be a great opportunity to get up close in the ring and get a taste of what the atmosphere is like for exhibitors. You would never get this close to the horses and viewers will be able to see these horses getting put through their paces in front of the judges," explained Tom.

"There will also be commentators who will explain what's happening in real time and the virtual spin will allow a more in-depth presentation of the horses too. Viewers will be so close up that they will be able to see the expression on the faces of these exhibitors!"

Looking to the future of the much-loved show, Tom is confident that spectators will be back at Ingliston in 2022 for what will be the its 180th anniversary.

"We are hoping to get back to an in-person event next year for what is to be a big year for the show, however, I can also see live streaming becoming a permanent aspect even with a normal show as it allows for a larger audience. The Royal Welsh is televised each year and the broadcast is fantastic, so we are hoping this is the start of the Royal Highland doing the same."