The Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry was the stunning backdrop for delegates from across UK and northern Europe to gather for the Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders' Association (HDSBA) annual AGM and Flock Awards weekend.

In recent years the event has been hosted by northern England and Belgium club areas with 2024 being the year for the Scottish Club to pull out all the stops, offering visitors the opportunity to sample the finest of Scottish hospitality, landscapes, entertainment, Hampshire sheep and of course whisky.

The weekend got off to a great start on Friday when Scottish breeder, Donald Henderson, was duly elected vice president of the society. Former HDSBA president Roy McFarlane of the Lecropt flock, Bridge of Allan, was bestowed a lifetime membership award in recognition of his dedication to the promotion and development of the breed.

An evening of live traditional music courtesy of the McGowans of Incheoch and friends set the scene to enjoy each other’s company and catch up with friends old and new.

Saturday brought a packed day complemented by the finest Scottish autumnal weather which beautifully showcased the stunning scenery of Atholl Estate during a fantastic tractor and trailer tour. Engaging hosts Hugh Chamberlain (farm manager) and Laura McDonald (head of rural and conservation) gave a brief history of the land management and business practices of the estate, with a focus on the move to regenerative agriculture, focussing on soil health as the bed-rock of a profitable and sustainable system for the future.

As what may for some have proved a warm-up for the evening ahead, a tour and tasting at Dalwhinnie distillery was enjoyed by whisky lovers and newcomers alike.

The Gala dinner on Saturday evening showcased the finest Scottish produce including of course lamb and gave another opportunity to sample a bit of Scottish tradition, with the top table piped in and the toast to the piper observed.

Adrian Rundle, Treworthal flock, Cornwall, spoke with humour regaling his recent travels to the 48 flocks throughout UK and Northern Ireland he had the pleasure of visiting to fulfil his judging duties for the 2024 National Flock Awards. A record number of entries made for some difficult decisions.

Notably, the Lecropt flock of Roy and Sheena McFarlane and Lorna Rennie, Bridge of Allan had a stellar evening, taking the top Scottish flock placing, along with reserve honours amongst the gimmers, champion medium flock and the reserve overall champion flock. Donald and Anne Henderson of the Maranatha, won the reserve Scottish flock honours.

Northern Ireland breeders, Kevin and Anna McCarthy of the Ballycreely flock,won the overall champion flock trophy.

Leading Awards

Champion flock – Messrs McCarthy (Ballycreely); reserve – Messrs McFarlane and Rennie (Lecropt).

Breeding ewes – Champion, Messrs McCarthy; reserve – H Edmunds.

Gimmers – Champion, Messrs McFadden; reserve Messrs McFarlane and Rennie

Ram lambs – Champion, Messrs Doyle; reserve, Messrs Alvis.

Ewe lambs – Champion, HC Derryman and Sons; reserve, Adam Gregg

Stock rams – 1, Champion, K McCarthy; 2, reserve, J Craig.

Large flock – 1, Messrs McCarthy; 2, H C Derryman and Sons; 3, H Edmunds.

Medium flock – 1, Messrs McFarlane and Rennie; 2 and reserve, Messrs Doyle.

Medium flock north – 1, Messrs McFarlane and Rennie; 2, Messrs Doyle; 3, Messrs Stainthorpe.

Medium flock south – 1, Messrs Manners and Dililbero; 2, Messrs Middleditch; 3, Messrs Alvis.

Small flock – 1 and champion small, A Gregg; 2 and reserve small, Messrs McFadden.

Small flock NI and Wales – 1, A Gregg; 2, Messrs McFadden; 3, Dermot Gardiner.

Small flock England and Scotland – 1, H Elsden; 2, T and N Bougard; 3, J Grossick

Irish flock – Champion, Messrs McCarthy; reserve, Messrs Doyle

Welsh flock – Champion, J Harrison; 2, A and M James.

Scottish flock – Champion, Messrs McFarlane and Rennie; reserve, Messrs Henderson.

South-east flock – Champion, V and D Miles; reserve, Messrs Delaney.

Novice – 1, Messrs Stainthorpe; 2, Messrs Elliott; 3, Messrs Grossick.

Junior – 1, Adam Gregg; 2, Amy Byford; 3, Hannah and Lucy Grindey.