It’s a Moo-sterpiece

Unique Cow’s Head Design Delivers Craftsmanship Win for Alexander

Mauchline Member Alexander Mitchell secured first place in the 2026 National Craftsmanship Competition at the Royal Highland Show. He took a creative approach to this year’s brief where members were asked to build their own functioning mailbox, deciding to craft his entry in the shape of a dairy cow’s head. He was delighted with his win, considering the standard of competition, “I am very pleased to have won, especially as there were so many great entries.”

When asked about the inspiration behind his unique design concept, Alexander said it did take some consideration, “I spent a bit of time coming up with the idea, I wanted to do something that was farming related and was good to look at and was a big challenge to make.”

Amazingly, Alexander created the impressive piece over just one week, working in the evenings after he came home from school. A skilled metalworker, he explained his process to create his final entry; “My cow started as a flat sheet of old metal that was lying in the shed, I started at the nose, used a grinder to cut the shapes and built up from there. I tacked it in place with my welder as I went, until it looked like I wanted. Then I welded and grinded off the excess until it was right.”

The design didn’t just have to look good, it also had to be functional, “The hardest part was making the actual post box, finding a way for it to work and fit properly and not chop off your fingers when you open the box.”

Alexander was also part of Mauchline’s winning Arts and Crafts team where he contributed a fantastic ski themed bottle opener in his signature metalwork style, earning an impressive score for his entry. He is already excited about getting involved in future competitions, “I’m already looking forward to next year’s theme.”

The standard of this year’s competition was very high with a brilliant range of designs ranging from traditional mailboxes to tractors and more. The Senior section title was taken by William Campbell of Bower YFC who also showed off his metalwork skills welding his piece into the shape of the letters YF. Well done to all our entrants on their hard work.

CRAFTSMANSHIP COMPETITION – Mailbox  

Senior

3^rd – Grant Dickie, Crossroads

2^nd –  Neve Sutherland, Forss

1^st  – William Campbell, Bower

Junior

3^rd –  Robbie Todd, Halkirk

2^nd – Stewart Hamilton, Strathmore

1^st  and Overall Winner  –  Alexander Mitchell, Mauchline