Alexander Achieves Shearing Success

The Young Farmers action at this year’s Royal Highland Show kicked off bright and early on the Thursday morning with our National Shearing Competition sponsored by Buccleuch Estates. The early start had no impact on the intensity of the competition as our young shearers brought the energy from the off. With each contestant hoping to progress through the heats to the final and a chance at the National title and the coveted Lister Silver Handpiece.

The competition was fierce with some lightning quick times recorded in the initial heats in which contestants clipped their choice of Scottish Blackfaces and Mules. And as the MacRobert Pavillion began to fill with the first visitors to the show, the atmosphere and excitement continued to build. This added pressure did not phase our members who kept up the pace admirably throughout the morning. A feat made more impressive by the fact that the competition was run either side of Scottish Shearing’s Junior Heats and Finals, meaning some of the competitors spent most of the morning shearing through a busy schedule in challenging show conditions.

The competition reached its peak with the grand final in which the qualifiers shore two of each breed to decide a winner. The pavilion was now packed and the gathered spectators, including some enthusiastic school groups, urged the shearers on for this final effort. With the crowd behind them, those on stage put in their all, continuing the fantastic pace and quality of shear that we had seen throughout the morning. As the final blows were dealt and the last fleece hit the floor it was down to the final judging, taking into account both the speed and neatness of the shear.

After a nervous wait as the points were totalled. The winner was announced with Alexander MacDonald of North Argyll being crowned National Champion. A runner up last year, 19-year-old Alexander was delighted to go one better and claim the title amidst a competitive field:

“It was a fantastic feeling and great achievement to lift the prestigious lister silver handpiece and seeing all the well renowned previous winners. The competition was very well run as usual with great shearing hoggs and tough competitors throughout.”

He went on to encourage other members to give competitive shearing a go:

“Other members should definitely get involved with the shearing competition as you meet lots of other shearers from across different Young Farmers Clubs and get to develop your shearing skills.”

Alexander who also picked up the trophy for the Scottish Blackface section was joined on the podium by fellow club member Ben Hathaway who came in second overall and first in the Mules heats. And rounding off the top three was Thomas Scott of Machars.

This year’s competition was kindly sponsored by Buccleuch Estates. Who were excited to support these young shearing stars and promote such a vital agri skill, Sion Williams, Farms Manager with Buccleuch, said:

“Buccleuch were delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor this year’s National Sheep Shearing competition, held at the Royal Highland Show. It was fantastic to see great young agricultural talent, with an enthusiastic crowd. Well done to all the competitors and our hearty congratulations to the day’s winners.”

Thanks to the show and Scottish Shearing for once again facilitating the competition and allowing our members to compete on the National Stage. Thanks also to our stewards, volunteers and wool handlers who helped on the day. Congratulations to our winners and well done to all the shearers for their fantastic effort throughout the competition.

SHEEP SHEARING – Sponsored By Buccleuch Estates

Scottish Blackface

3^rd –  Eilidh Little, Callander

2^nd – Hayley Ryan, Biggar

1^st – Alexander Macdonald, North Argyll

Mules

3^rd –  Thomas Scott, Machars

2^nd – Katherine McPherson, Islay

1^st – Ben Hathaway, North Argyll

Overall

3^rd – Thomas Scott, Machars

2^nd – Ben Hathaway, North Argyll

CHAMPION OVERALL and Winner of the Lister Silver Handpiece and the Worshipful Company of Woolmen –  Alexander Macdonald, North Argyll