11 Jun Club of the Year Finalist Focus- Peeblesshire JAC
Excitement is building for the final interviews of our National Club of the Year Competition, sponsored by Cefetra, which take place on Sunday 14 June. After battling through the regional qualifiers, six outstanding teams are ready to step into the spotlight, impress the judges and show why their club deserves to be crowned National Champion at our Grand Prize Giving during the Royal Highland Show. We caught up with each of this year’s finalists to learn more about their clubs, their journey so far and what helped secure their place in Sunday’s final.
PEEBLESSHIRE JAC
What has been your club’s biggest achievement this year?
A. Peeblesshire JAC’s biggest achievement this year has been its strong recruitment of new, young and enthusiastic members. The club successfully welcomed 14 new members, who actively participated in club, district and national events. Our involvement contributed to numerous sporting successes and strengthened the club’s diversity of talent, both in handicrafts and in the annual variety concert. This growth has increased overall membership to 52 active members, moving the club into the large club category. It is fantastic to see the club continue to grow and support the next generation of young farmers, and we hope to build on this momentum in the years ahead.
What charity or fundraising work has your club done recently?
A. Peeblesshire JAC has continued to place a strong emphasis on giving back to both the local community and charities close to its members’ hearts. This year, the club’s main fundraising event was a bed push challenge, which saw members push a bed on a 15.5-mile journey from West Linton to Peebles. While a unique challenge, the effort proved highly successful, raising an impressive £1840.83 for three deserving charities: RHET Borders, Peebles and District Men’s Shed, and SAYFC’s Big Build Campaign.
Another notable effort came from the club’s three-night annual variety concert, where proceeds from the programme and raffle were donated to Teenage Cancer Trust – a charity particularly meaningful to club chair Mhairi Stewart following her diagnosis. This initiative raised an outstanding £1005, further highlighting the club’s commitment to supporting worthwhile causes.
What competitions or events have you been most successful in this year?
A. Peeblesshire JAC has enjoyed a standout year, achieving success at both district and national level. Highlights include winning National Rugby 7s and National Clays, while club chair Mhairi Stewart was shortlisted as a finalist for National Member of the Year. The club secured an impressive second overall at East Rally, as well as third overall and Best Comedy Act at East Cabaret.
Handicrafts were also strongly represented at the Highland Show and National Foursomes, with both senior and junior teams securing third place at Gogarburn.
One of the club’s biggest successes was the annual stockjudging competition. After struggling to secure a host farm, the event was adapted and moved to Lanark Auction Market, with farmers invited to bring a single class of stock. The result was a highly successful and well-attended event, showcasing a wide range of livestock and attracting new faces to the club.
How has your club supported or engaged with the local community?
A. Peeblesshire JAC is committed to giving back to the generous community that supports us, while encouraging the next generation of young farmers. From hosting coffee mornings and bulb planting for Bonnie Peebles, to attending high school conferences on abuse and violence, we aim to positively represent what Young Farmers stands for and ensure young people feel welcomed into the club.
We also maintain a strong presence at our local agricultural show and attend surrounding dinner dances, helping to promote the club while showing appreciation to those who continually support us.
What makes your club unique and a strong Club of the Year contender?
A. Peeblesshire JAC may be young, but we are strong in numbers. As one of the youngest clubs in SAYFC, with a large proportion of members in the junior category, we continue to establish ourselves as a competitive and capable club, building a strong presence within the organisation.
We actively participate in a wide range of competitions, often competing against more experienced clubs, and consistently strive to achieve high standards across stockjudging, sports and handicrafts.
Our friendly yet ambitious approach has been key to the club’s progress so far, and we hope this is reflected in our National Club of the Year submission.
What would winning National Club of the Year mean to your members and future plans?
A. Winning National Club of the Year would be a huge achievement for Peeblesshire JAC. It would reflect the hard work, dedication and support provided by every member, committee member and supporter, both within and beyond the club.
Peeblesshire JAC has always been a club that fully commits to everything it takes on – whether that’s stockjudging, cabaret, fundraising, concerts, sports or community events. We are never afraid to try something new and get involved.
Looking ahead, our focus is on continuing to grow member involvement and encouraging individuals to step outside their comfort zones through new competitions and leadership opportunities. We also aim to maintain a strong balance between social events, personal development and community engagement. In addition, we intend to make full use of recently secured grant funding to strengthen our impact, give back to the community, and ensure the club remains accessible and inclusive for all.