Tarland Show: Blair's Little Miss Muffet crowned supreme

Taking centre stage to win the supreme beef was Blair Duffton’s commercial cattle champion, Little Miss Muffet, a 20-month-old Limousin cross heifer. Bred by Newton of Logierait and sired by Glenrock Inferno she was winning her fourth championship of the season and was also reserve at the Royal Highland and Echt.

Reserve supreme amongst the cattle was the Simmental champion, Coose Nelson, an Irish-bred bull from Michael Durno, Auchorachan. His October 2021-born entry is sired by Auchorachan Deuter and bred from Auchorachan Desira.

The Grand Parade

David Moir’s Suffolk cross gimmer from Cairness took the tri-colour in the sheep lines, following championships at Echt, Turriff, and Grantown.

The blue and white sash was awarded to the Suffolk champion, a ewe from Stuart Lorimer, Kingswells. This three-crop was bought privately from Pyeston and is by Limestone Limited Edition. She was champion Suffolk at Banchory.

Supreme horse was the previously unshown Clydesdale mare, Freezlund Miss Eliza, from Lynne McDonald, Tarland. This eight-year-old is a daughter of Great American GW Carver and out of Webbers Sadie Jakey Victoria.

Clydesdale and overall horse champion from Lynne McDonald, Tarland

Leading Awards

Aberdeen Angus (Judge: D Shand). Champion – R Gardiner, Lyne of Skene with Newton Eyerie, a February 2023-born heifer out of Newton Eyerie and sired by Idvies Ferrari. Fourth at the National, sixth at the Royal Highland, and first at Echt and Turriff. Reserve – M Wattie, Tonley, Alford with Tonley Princess, a 21-month heifer sired by Kilmaluag Eriskey and bred from Tonley Princess 740. Champion at Echt and second at the Royal Highland. Bull born in 2023, heifer born in 2022, calf – M Wattie. Heifer born in 2023 – R Gardiner.

Charolais (Judge: D Shand). Champion – JB Wilkie, Braigiewell, Echt with Lettoch Tanya, a two-year heifer by Harestone Otto, out of Lettoch Lottie. Champion at Echt and Banchory. Reserve – G and D Allardyce with Howe O Cromar Unique, a 15-month-old heifer bred from Lesliepark Jasmine and sired by Firhills Oliver. Champion at Fettercairn. Heifer born in 2022 – JB Wilkie.

Shorthorn (Judge: G Stephen). Champion – Alison Watt, Birkenburn, Keith with Strathisla Spark, a home-bred two-year-old bull sired by Smallburn Nevada and out of Grandtullybrae Yantara Trixy 4. Champion at New Deer, Turriff and Grantown and reserve at Echt. Reserve – J Cameron, Trainsview Livestock, Forfar with Ballyvaddy Tessa, a seven-year-old cow by Dakota of Upsall, out of Ballyvaddy Tessa. Undefeated in 2019 and champion at Stars of the Future in 2018. Bull, calf – Alison Watt. Cow – Trainsview Livestock. Heifer – J Allardyce, Tarland.

Simmental (Judge: G Stephen). Champion and reserve inter-breed beef – D and R Durno and Sons, Auchorachan, Glenlivet with Coose Nelson, an October 2021-born bull, sired by Auchorachan Deuter and bred from Auchorachan Desira. Reserve male at Grantown. Reserve – D and R Durno and Sons with Auchorachan Nutella Nanny, a November 2022-born heifer daughter of Auchorachan Nanny 7, sired by Danish import Jaegergard Quebec. Reserve female at Grantown. All classes – D and R Durno and Sons.

Limousin (Judge: G Stephen). Champion – Miller Farms, Midmar with Millers Unite a 10-month-old heifer by Ampertaine Elgin, out of Westpit Silly. Reserve at Echt and Banchory. Reserve – M Rainnie, Dinnet with Loanhead Usher, a 16-month-old bull, by Ringway Odeon out of a home-bred cow. First outing, destined for the Stirling Bull Sales in October. Bull, yearling – M Rainnie. Heifer calf – Miller Farms.

David Moir's Suffolk cross gimmer took cross champion and overall supreme sheep

AOB non-native cattle (Judge: G Stephen). Champion – B Duffton, Huntly with the British Blue, Harelaw Star, an in-calf heifer by Henlli Wishmaster and bred from Woodend Leonna. Champion at Fife, Angus, Fettercairn, Echt, New Deer, Turriff, Grantown and reserve inter-breed at Ayr. Reserve – Alison Watt, Birkenburn, Keith with Strathisla Tanya, a two-year British Blonde in-calf heifer, sired by Strathisla Pascoe and bred from Allerstone Jasmine. Champion at Echt and reserve at New Deer. Cow – J Youngson, Echt. Heifer – B Duffton. Calf – Alison Watt.

Highland cattle (Judge: D Dempster). Champion – Joanna Greaves, Ardiffery Fold, Ellon with Lady Darcy of Ardiffery, a three-year-old heifer daughter of Heather 3 of Richmondhill and Ewan Buidhe of Craigieray. Reserve at New Deer 2024, she was champion at Tarland last year and champion at New Deer and Echt as a yearling. Reserve – J and L Fraser and Son, Maryculter with Oighrig Dubh 16 of Tilbouries, a two-year-old heifer by Molag Prince Oighrig Dubh of Tilbouries, out of Oighrig Dubh 13 of Tilbouries. Shown by Sophie Adams, she was reserve at Banchory, Echt, and New Deer 2024 and at Black Isle last year. Bull, heifer born before Dec 23 – Morag Middleton, Fettercairn. Cow, heifer calf, heifer born before Dec 22, steer – J and L Fraser and Son. Bull calf – SM Calcott, Dinnet. Heifer born before Dec 21 – Joanna Greaves.

AOB native cattle (Judge: D Dempster). Champion – GD and MR Poyser, Fraserburgh with Milovaig 1 Vindicator, a three-year-old Hereford bull by Shraden 1 Perestroika, out of Milovaig 1 Bonnie Belle 6. He was bought from Callum Smith, Girvan privately and was second at the Royal Highland, supreme overall at Echt, and champion at Biggar, Banchory and Turriff. Reserve – I Skea, Bennachie Herefords, Kemnay with Bennachie 1 Arran, an 18-month-old bull by Bennachie 1 Tam and out of Bennachie 1 Tay. First outing. Senior bull, heifer – GD and MR Poyser. Yearling bull – I Skea.

Shorthorn Champion from Alison Watt, pictured at New Deer

Cross cattle (Judge: H Gordon). Champion and supreme beef – B Duffton, Huntly with Little Miss Muffet, a 20-month-old Limousin cross heifer bred by Craig Robertson, Newton of Logierait. Champion at Thainstone Spectacular, Stars of the Future, Fettercairn, New Deer and was reserve at the Royal Highland and Echt. Reserve – Miller Farms, Midmar with an 18-month British Blue cross heifer. Reserve at Banchory she was bought from Finn Christie at the Young Farmers’ Overwintering show and sale at Thainstone for £4000. She is sired by Caithness Norsman and bred from Limousin cross cow, Eye Candy. Cow – B Paterson, Sauchen. Yearling heifer, pair of yearling heifers, yearling stot, pair of yearling stots, senior male calf, prime bullock/heifer – B Duffton. Senior heifer calf – G and J Greenlaw, Ballater. Junior male calf, junior heifer calf – Miller Farms. Calf reared by young stocksperson under 16 years – Lily Smith, Turriff.

Carcase cattle (Judge: R Wight). Champion – J Smith, Torphins. Reserve – WJ Cameron, Keith. Bullock on the hoof – WJ Cameron. Heifer on the hoof – J Smith.

Cattle young handlers – 1, Maisie Poyser, 2, Jess Williams, 3, Megan Brown.

Clydesdales (Judge: J Ingram). Champion and supreme horse – Lynne McDonald, Tarland with Freezlund Miss Eliza, an eight-year mare by Great American GW Carver, out of Webbers Sadie Jakey Victoria. First outing. Reserve – A Clark and P Wyborn, Alford with Pacemuir Lucy, a previously unshown yearling filly bred from Pacemuir Molly and sired by Gillers Nobleman. Yeld mare – Lynne McDonald. Filly – A Clark and P Wyborn.

Highland ponies (Judge: F Lawson). Champion – R and K Stewart, Banchory with West Lodge Liberty, a three-year-old filly by Coulnacraig Jacobite and out of West Lodge Ashley. Champion at Banchory and reserve at New Deer. Reserve – Lynne McDonald, Tarland with Corrieben Ivy, a yearling filly sired by Highland Show champion Ben Macdhui of Strathavon and out of Corriben Jess. Bought in May from breeder Danny O’Neill at Dingwall. Stallion, mare with foal, foal, yearling – Lynne McDonald. Senior gelding – Lydia Littlejohn, Aboyne. Two/three-year-old – R and K Stewart. Ridden – Helen Glesser.

Shetland ponies (Judge: D Burnett). Champion – Lynda Cochrane, Kilwinning, Ayrshire with Chasend Midnight Masquerade, a 10-year-old miniature mare, by Athollney Lightning and out of Stapelow Teasal. First show in two years having been kept as a brood mare. Bought from Joanna Soloman. Reserve – Kay Gibb, Kingswells with Harviestoun Rosie, a seven-year mare by a Harvistoun-bred sire, shown with foal at foot. Unbeaten in her class all season. Reserve here last year. Senior mare or gelding, coloured – Wendy Fyvie, Westhill. One-three-year-old, foal – Margaret Greaves, Kintore. Mare with foal – Kay Gibb. Ridden – Caryl Miller, Fourdon. Young handler – 1, Maisie Perry-Stuart, 2, Caryl Miller. Miniature stallion, miniature one-three-year-old – A Thornley, Rothes. Senior miniature mare or gelding – Lynda Cochrane. Coloured miniature – Sarah Berwick, Tarland.

Suffolk (Judge: A Shepherd). Champion and reserve inter-breed sheep – S Lorimer, Kingswells with a three-crop Pyeston-bred ewe by Limestone Limited Edition, bought privately as a ewe lamb. Champion at Banchory. Reserve – A Smith and Son, Glenkindie with a two-shear-tup, by a Sandyknowe sire bought privately from Matthew Harding, Bentley Suffolks in 2023. First at Grantown. Tup, and gimmer – A Smith and Son. Tup lamb, ewe, ewe lamb – S Lorimer.

AOCB Champion British Blue from Blair Duffton, pictured at New Deer

Texel (Judge: G Howie). Champion – K Duthie, Brechin with Garngour Great Expectations, a shearling ram by Midcombe Fireball, bought privately from Alan Clark, North Gargnour. He sired the first prize ram lamb and is destined for the breed sale at Carlisle next month. Reserve – Deevalley Texels, Banchory with a gimmer by Harestone Fury, out of a Cairnam ewe bought at the Lanark Christmas Cracker sale for 5000gns. Champion at Echt, Fettercairn, and Black Isle, and reserve at Banchory. Aged tup – A Smith and Son, Glenkindie. Shearling, tup lamb – K Duthie. Ewe, gimmer – Deevalley Texels. Ewe lamb – S Stow.

Blackface (Judge: D Cowie). Champion – A Brown, Alford with a ewe lamb by a Harestone tup and out of a ewe bought from Andy Woodburn. First outing. Reserve – A and J Nairn, Glenavon Estate, Tomintoul with a home-bred two-shear tup, bred by Stuart Nairn, and bought at Dingwall. He is by a West Letham tup. Aged tup – Glenavon Estate. Shearling, tup lamb, ewe, gimmer, ewe lamb – A Brown.

Cross sheep (Judge: D Cowie). Champion and supreme sheep – D Moir, Fraserburgh with a single Suffolk cross gimmer out of a Texel ewe. Champion at Echt, Turriff, and Grantown. Reserve – JH Thomson, Strathdon with three Scotch Mule ewe lambs, sired by a home-bred Bluefaced Leicester tup and bred from Blackface ewes. First outing. Prime lambs – J Strachan, Glenkindie. Single ewe – R Wilkie, Skene. Greyface or Mule ewe lambs – JH Thomson. Gimmer, pair of gimmers – D Moir. Male lamb – Sarah Finnie, Turriff. Ewe lamb – Faye Wilkie, Skene.

AOB non-native sheep (Judge: J Young). Champion – NR Livestock Services, Durris with Balldrum Hillary, a Blue Texel gimmer by Joes Floyd, out of a home-bred dam. First at Echt and Banchory. Reserve – G Dinnie, Muir of Fowlis with a Beltex tup bred from a granddaughter of Ryder Eddie and sired by Woodies Hellraiser. He is bound for the Lanark sale in September. Tup, pair of gimmers – G Dinnie. Ewe – Leanne Rodger, Muir of Fowlis. Gimmer – NR Livestock Services. Lamb, and male lamb – Frances Glass, Muir of Fowlis.

AOB native sheep (Judge: J Young). Champion – JH Thomson, Strathdon with a home-bred Bluefaced Leicester ewe lamb sired by a Dawyck tup. First outing. Reserve – S Tillbrook, Newe with a Bluefaced Leicester tup lamb. Tup, ewe, male lamb – R Groat, Portlethen. Gimmer, lamb, and pair of gimmers – JH Thomson.

Carcase lambs (Judge R Wight). Champion – E and G Kemp, Bridge of Alford. Reserve – C MacRae, Alford. Heavy on the hoof – E and G Kemp. Light on the hoof – C MacRae. Best pair of Suffolks – W and J Cameron, Keith.

Sheep young handlers – 10years and under – 1, Grace Ross, 2, Brodie Insch, 3, Finlay Ross. 11-14yrs – 1, Katie Milne, 2, Eva Kemp, 3, Megan Glass-Smith.

Goats (Judge: Fiona Smith). Champion – Cheryl Blain, Forfar with Mollfol Angel, a three-year-old pygmy goat out of Mollfol Winter and sired by Penrad Ernie. First at Echt. Reserve – Fiona Culbert, Lumphanon with Kavequil Sophie, a two-year Anglo Nubian first kidder, by Kavequil Toddle and out of Gilfoyle Party Popper. She is giving four litres of milk per day and was on her first outing. Female in milk, dairy goatling, male kid – Fiona Culbert. Pygmy adult female, Pygmy goatling, and Pygmy female kid – Cheryl Blain.