Ayr Young Farmers Member Murray McHarg won the day at our National Sheep Shearing Competition at the Royal Highland Show.
Friday of the Highland Show began with our Sheep Shearers taking centre stage for our National competition sponsored by Buccleuch Estates. With the sun beating down on a bustling MacRoberts Pavillion, it was our young shearers who were bringing the heat in front of a lively crowd of supporters. Contestants first clipped their choice of Scottish Blackfaces and Mules in the heats, looking to progress to a final where the qualifiers shore two of each breed to decide a winner.
The level and intensity of the competition was extremely high throughout. This was especially impressive given that the competition was run either side of Scottish Shearing’s Junior Heats and Finals which meant some of our members spent most of the morning shearing at high temperatures. The young athletes showing superb stamina on the day. Once the last fleece hit the floor, and cord had been pulled it was down to the final judging, taking into account both the speed and neatness of the shear.
Strathearn’s Jack Simpson took first place in the Mules whilst Murray McHarg of Ayr claimed top spot in both the Blackfaces as well as the the Overall Championship, writing his name onto the iconic Lister Silver Handpiece. Murray hopes this is just a step on his shearing journey:
“After feeling confident with my shear in the heats on some well presented hoggs. I managed to keep my composure in a tough final against a high class of shearers and a crowd being amped up by the commentary. It feels unreal to have my name on the young farmers trophy and looking back at previous winners and seeing the heights they furthered their careers to, I’m hoping this can continue in a similar way with my own career.”
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.
Well done to all our competitors. And congratulations to Chloe Cormack of Ettrick & Lauderdale and Aberfeldy’s Alexander MacDonald who placed Second and Third in the Junior Final respectively.
