SCOTTISH REGION
Regional Contact member – Melanie Harper
Can you believe by the time you read this we will probably have our rams out, seems like only two minutes since the lambs were running round the lambing shed and we were picking out our show teams and sale lambs. The summer seems to of passed us by with only a small splash of sunshine. 
The Jacob Sheep Society stand at Scotsheep
Many thanks to Barbara and her team who set up the stand for NSA Scotsheep, after a small admin error the Jacob Society managed to get a good spot for the stand next to some higher profile breeds which attracted a steady flow of visitors. We are still putting our new breed promotion stand together as the photos for the double sided stand need to be of exceptional quality as the photos will be blown up on the canvas. Barbara has a great deal of knowledge in this field, so we are guided by her.
The show season kicked off with the National Show at Fife, thanks to Linda McKendrick who kindly sponsored the prize money for the National. Barbara kindly donated the glass trophy too. Siwan Harries and husband, Wyn, pushed up their airmiles as Wyn had been judging in Ireland then both travelled to Scotland for Fife show. A great display of Jacobs was presented for Siwan to judge. On the day her champion choice went to Dunmor’s aged ewe and reserve spot went to Ewen MacMillan’s ram lamb. Next year our National Show will be held at – watch this space.
The next big one was the Royal Highland Show, and this year’s judge was Nicola Fletcher. Although numbers were down from the previous year the quality of Jacobs on show were there to be seen. Nicola’s champion came from the Dunmor team, their now aged ram put on the blue sash once again. The reserve championship went to Barbara Webster’s ram lamb. Female champion was awarded to Robert Locker’s shearling ewe. A full report will be included in this Journal. The entry and exit of stock seemed to feel easier as we are now diverted through the trade stands, and we miss the busy area down by the shearing tent. Thanks to all the exhibitors who gave up four long days to have their Jacobs on show. We had a lovely get together after the judging sponsored by Connor & Dalrymple and organised by Mary Connor and Angela Christie. Thanks also for everyone’s kind donations especially some very tasty shortbread from a certain member.
Connor & Dalrymple’s champion aged ewe and Ewen MacMillan’s reserve champion ram lamb at the Scottish National Show with the judge, Siwan Harries
Our Scottish sale has attracted a good number of sheep. We must thank some of our Scottish members who have kindly agreed to sponsor the prize money which has allowed us to increase the prize money on offer. Thanks to Crystalyx and Life-Guard who have once again supplied vouchers and gifts to give out to some of our prize winners. I say again that the move to Carlisle has been a very positive one. A report of the sale will be in the next Journal. Thanks to everyone who supports our sale, we appreciate you all.
The Scottish AGM 2025 is very much under control and I plan to travel with Barbara after the show and sale season is finished to visit the hotel and get the finer details in place Booking forms will be circulated with the winter Journal with all details needed to get members up to the beautiful scenery and hospitality that awaits you from our north of Scotland members.
Judging of the shearling ewe class at the Scottish National Show
I will get details out of our AGM meeting and maybe an open day too. I will keep everyone updated. Many thanks to Scottish committee members who give up their time to work so very hard for the Society.
Can I add many thanks to Siwan and her team for the super weekend we had at the Welsh AGM, my Welsh 4 horn ewe made it home to Scotland and has pride of place in my kitchen.
Connor & Dalrymple’s champion and reserve at Dalkeith Show with the judge, Adam Christie
Barbara Webster’s champion ram lamb at Fettercairn Show
Connor & Dalrymple’s champion and reserve champion sheep at Haddington Show with the judge, Mike Munro