2025 Castle Douglas Spring Show and Sale - Report and Results

New World Record Price of 27,000gns at Galloway Spring Show & Sale 2025

 

A new world record price was set at this year’s Galloway Cattle Society’s Spring Show and Sale, with newcomers to the breed making their mark in spectacular fashion.

 

Swagger of Glenrath, from Glenrath Farms Ltd, achieved the record breaking 27,000gns in a Valentine’s Day bidding war at Wallets Mart, Castle Douglas. 

 

The August 2023-born son of Olympian of Troloss was purchased in a two-way split between John, Ann, and Iain Finlay of Blackcraig and Robbie Galloway of Cardona, Doune, Stirling. Swagger of Glenrath, expertly presented by stockman Joe Cockburn, was much fancied, securing the Overall Male Champion title at the pre-sale show.

 

In a remarkable twist, Glenrath Farms Ltd, who set the new record, were the purchasers of the previous record-holder, Blackcraig Dyker, demonstrating their commitment to investing in top genetics. That previous record sale at 26,000gns made headlines in 2023 when it smashed a long-standing world record price for a Galloway that had held for 34 years. 

 

While Glenrath are relatively new to the Galloway breed, their success continued with Reserve Overall Male Champion Stealth of Glenrath selling for 4,000gns. This 21-month-old son of Troloss Nimrod, who finished second to the champion in the previous day’s classes, is headed to JW Hall of Darnbrook Farm, Malham Moor, Settle. Overall Glenrath Farms achieved an impressive average of £11,287.50 for their four bulls.

 

Ian Campbell of Glenrath Farms Ltd reflected on their success: “The ability of Galloways to convert rough grazing into a great quality, profitable product makes the breed a smart choice for anyone working on high hill ground. The Galloway excels at this and is perfectly suited to our farm and our journey to net zero. To have set a new record price is very satisfying and reflects our commitment to the breed and its future.”

 

The sale drew strong interest from across the UK, with buyers joining both in person and online. 

Buyer motivation reflected the breed’s versatility, with purchasers commenting on the Galloway’s proven performance in low input upland systems and conservation grazing schemes, while consistently producing high-quality beef. 

 

First-time exhibitors Ali and Leisa Warden of Skelfhill, Hawick, celebrated an exceptional debut, achieving 24,000gns for their bull Skelfhill Fortnum, who had been placed third the previous day. This Barlaes Rivellino son, out of Blackcraig Bertha B1057, was purchased by Society Vice Chairman Robert McTurk who said: “He’s a bull with a touch of class that was hard to find a fault with. Exceptional in his mobility and balance.” Skelfhill Fortnum will head to the Barlaes herd, Dalry, the oldest recorded herd of any breed of cattle in the world, traceable back to Lady of Barlae in 1866. 

 

The Wardens, who farm 3,200 acres carrying 2,000 breeding ewes and 110 cows, started their Galloway journey in 2021, and now carry 20 Galloways bulled pure. Commenting on the sale, Leisa Warden said: “It’s a dream come true. It has been a lifetime ambition to have Galloways, and to achieve so much in our first year is absolutely amazing. What really stands out about the Galloway is their ability to convert challenging hill ground into profit. We’ve really enjoyed watching them thrive on our middling hill ground with minimal inputs; they’re working out really well for us.” 

 

The sale was particularly special for Ali Warden, who had the honour of judging the heifers at the show and backed his judgment by purchasing the Reserve Female Champion, Brownie 11th of Fingland from Jimmy Wallace, Fingland, Dalry. This Oryan of Balgray daughter and out of Barlaes Brownie 211th - a Barack Obama of Fingland daughter - was purchased for 4,200gns.

 

Mr Warden commented: “It was an outstanding show of heifers, and while I was disappointed not to purchase my champion, I’m absolutely delighted to take home the reserve champion.” 

 

The Female Champion, Blackcraig Libby E1474, bred by John, Ann, and Iain Finlay of Blackcraig, Corsock, achieved the top female price of 9,000gns. A favourite of the Blackcraig team, this exceptional animal is sired by Nucamp of Balgray and out of Blackcraig Libby Z809. She was purchased by returning customer Catherine MacGregor, the renowned photographer from Stirling. 

 

 

Show judge George Irving praised the overall standard: “The quality was exceptional throughout, with outstanding character, top lines, and good locomotion on display.”

 

Breed characteristics broaden demand

While the breed maintained robust support in its heartland of Dumfries & Galloway with nine local purchasers, the sale demonstrated a noticeable widening of the Galloway’s appeal across the UK. In Scotland, thirteen buyers came from nine different Scottish regions, stretching from Aberdeenshire to the Borders. 

 

South of the border, ten English purchasers secured animals, taking Galloways home to locations from Hexham to Devon, with one heading to Wales. Notably, the event saw significant participation from online buyers for the first time, reflecting the growing nationwide interest in the breed.

 

Dorothy Goldie, Breed Secretary of the Galloway Cattle Society, welcomed the results: 

“To set a new world record price is tremendously exciting, but what’s particularly encouraging is seeing relatively new breeders achieving these outstanding results. Such incredible achievement so early in both the Glenrath and Skelfhill farms’ journey with Galloways is remarkable and is a testament to the passion and commitment of both teams. 

 

“The broad geographical spread of both vendors and purchasers at this year’s show and sale demonstrates the growing recognition of the Galloway’s relevance to modern farming systems. The enthusiasm we’re seeing from both established and new breeders shows that the Galloway is increasingly being recognised as the ideal breed for sustainable, profitable farming.”

 

Society Vice Chair, Robert McTurk, added: 

“The sale of females reflects the frustrations of trying to sell into a shrinking marketplace, where cow numbers are in decline and important export markets to Germany and Ireland, that had been cultivated over many years, are no longer accessible.

 

“However, the Galloway is championed by conservation groups as the ideal grazer to encourage biodiversity. The breed’s outwintering abilities are increasingly important and, most important of all, the naturally marbled beef of the Galloway is an outstanding food product.” 

 

Sale averages showed strong commercial confidence, with 24 bulls averaging £6,822.81 (+£1,314.68) achieving a 66% clearance rate. Eighteen heifers sold with an 88% clearance rate, with bulling heifers averaging £3,339.00 (+£1,573.09) and heifers run with bull averaging £2,310.00.

 

Bulls

1 Kilnstown Farms Ltd Newton Cracker 3500gns J Campbell, Kypehill, Strathaven

2 Mr & Mrs J & S Ross Gage of Romesbeoch 4200gns Tottingworth Farm, Sussex

4 Mr R Nixon Craig of Marbrack 3000gns G McMillan, Over Barskeoch, Dalry

5 Klondyke Farms Ltd Klondyke Hercules 3000gns P & M Gray, Symington, Biggar

6 Mr D Maxwell Ben Lomond Heliotrope 3200gns M J Partridge, Devon

7 Klondyke Farms Ltd Klondyke Stallion 3000gns McMillan & Partners, Holm of Dalquhairn, Dalry, Castle Douglas

8 Glenrath Farms Ltd Sparky of Glenrath 5000gns S McKie, Finniness, Balmaghie, Castle Douglas

9 Mr D Maxwell Ben Lomond Hardstone 5000gns Mr M McCornick, Barquhill, Wigtown

12 Mr & Mrs J & S Ross Gladiator of Romesbeoch 4500gns Hedgeley Farms, Hedgeley Hall, Powburn, Alnwick

13 Glenrath Farms Ltd Stealth of Glenrath 4000gns JW Hall, Darnbrook Farm, Malham Moor, Settle

14 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Haaland of Fingland 10000gns IHG Warden, Skelfhill, Hawick

15 Glenrath Farms Ltd Spartacus of Glenrath 7000gns J & S Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries 

16 Mr R Galloway Cardona Guinness 2500gns Simon Redman, Creeside Farm, Barrhill, Ayrshire

18 Alistair Warden Skelfhill Frankie 3500gns FE Strang Steel, Lymiecleuch, Selkirk

20 Alistair Warden Skelfhill Fortnum 24000gns R McTurk, Barlaes, Dalry

21 Mr M McCornick Barquhill Max 3500gns Mr Heywood, Wood Farm, Flitwick, Beford

22 Glenrath Farms Ltd Swagger of Glenrath 27000gns J & A Finlay, Blackcraig, Corsock & JR Galloway, Cardona Farm, Doune

24 Kilnstown Farms Ltd Fame of Kilnstown 7000gns B Dickinson & Co, Brockstone, Kentmere

25 Messrs D & R Cornthwaite Uppercrust of Balgray 3250gns Glenfernate Estates, Enochdhu, By Blairgowrie

32 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Hector 6000gns Glenrath Farms, Kirkton Manor, Peebles

33 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Hercules 3800gns WF Welsh, Lochurr, Moniaive, Thornhill & B Douglas, Castlederg, Co Tyrone

35 Mr J Finlay Blackcraig Fencer 14000gns J Maxwell, Jaw Farm, Fintry, Glasgow

36 Messrs Wallace Highway Man of Over Barskeoch 4000gns TE Stephenson, Burntshield Haugh, Steele, Hexham

40 Kilnstown Farms Ltd Fast Track of Kilnstown 2000gns Alex Weeks, Castell Bedw.

Unled heifers 

42 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Amber G19 2100gns Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye

43 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Lea G32 3000gns W Maclean, Inverglen, Barcaldine, Oban

44 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Nancy G34 2300gns Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye

45 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Tricia G35 2100gns B Douglas, Castlederg, Co Tyrone

Heifers 

48 Mr J Finlay Blackcraig Bertha E1408 3100gns Polston Farm, The Mill, Polston, Invercrynoch

49 Mr J Finlay Blackcraig Joan E1426 3000gns Polston Farm, The Mill, Polston, Invercrynoch

51 Messrs Wallace Gael Diamond of Over Barskeoch 2000gns S Langdon, Luckworthy Farm, Mollan, South Molton, Devon

53 Mr J Finlay Blackcraig Libby E1474 9000gns C Macgregor, South Road, Insch

54 Mr J Finlay Blackcraig Moss Rose E1477 3400gns Polston Farm, The Mill, Polston, Invercrynoch

57 Mr RJ McTurk Barlaes Nancy 194th 1900gns Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye

58 Mr P Hunter Blair Foxglove Erica of Nether Cleugh 2000gns A & J Richardson, Higher Breen Farm, Byley, Byley Road

59 Mr RJ McTurk Barlaes Katie 113th 2200gns Nixon & Pitman, Nunscleugh Rowelton, Carlisle

60 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Molly 215th of Fingland 2200gns J & J Anderson, Upper Wellwood Farm,

61 Mr James Campbell Kypehill Peggy Sue 1600gns S Langdon, Luckworthy Farm,

63 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Kathleen 18th of Fingland 1900gns A & J Richardson, Higher Breen farm, Byley, Byley Road, Middlewich, Cheshire

64 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Brownie 11th of Fingland 4200gns IHG Warden, Skelfhill, Hawick

65 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Urma 30th of Fingland 2000gns J Hepburn & Co, Northhouse Farm, Hawick

66 Mr James Campbell Kypehill Jolene 1400gns S Langdon, Luckworthy Farm, Mollan, South Molton, Devon

 

Castle Douglas Spring Show and Sale

 

Results

 

Bulls

Class 1

1st   J & S Ross  - Gage of Romesbeoch  DOB  21/09/22  sire Strathurr Yogi to  Tottingworth Farm, Sussex for 4200gns 

 

Class 2

1st  Glenrath Farms Ltd -  Sparky of Glenrath DOB 02/04/23 sire Troloss Nimrod to S McKie, Finniness, Balmaghie, Castle Douglas for 5000gns

2nd Messrs J, M & D Maxwell -  Ben Lomond Hardstone DOB 03/04/23 sire Zonda of Kilnstown to Mr M McCornick, Barquhill, Wigtown for 5000gns 

3rd  Mr R Nixon -  Craig of Marbrack DOB 27/02/23 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone to G McMillan, Over Barskeoch, Dalry for 3000gns 

 

Class 3 

1st & Overall Champion  Glenrath Farms Ltd -  Swagger of Glenrath DOB 18/08/23 sire Olympian of Trolosse to J & A Finlay, Blackcraig, Corsock & JR Galloway, Cardona Farm, Doune for 27000gns 

2nd  Glenrath Farms Ltd -  Stealth of Glenrath DOB 17/04/23 sire Troloss Nimrod

3rd Mr I H G Warden - Skelfhill Fortnum DOB 29/04/23 sire Barlaes Rivellino to JW Hall, Darnbrook Farm, Malham Moor, Settle for 4000gns

 

2 year old champion -  Swagger of Glenrath

Reserve  -  Stealth of Glenrath. 

 

Class 4

1st D & R Cornthwaite -  Uppercrust of Balgray DOB 03/09/23 sire Blackcraig Kodiac to Glenfernate Estates, Enochdhu, By Blairgowrie for 3250gns

 2nd D & R Cornthwaite - Upbeat of Balgray DOB 07/09/23 sire Blackcraig Kodiac 

3rd Mr P Hunter Blair -  Floyd of Nether Cleugh DOB 21/09/23 sire Drifter of Low Three Mark 

 

Class 5

1st M/s RA McClymont & Son -  Kirkstead Hercules DOB 29/09/23 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone to WF Welsh, Lochurr, Moniaive, Thornhill & B Douglas, Castlederg, Co Tyrone for 3800gns

2nd M/s  RA McClymont & Son - Kirkstead Hector DOB 27/09/23 sire Kirkstead Commander  to Glenrath Farms, Kirkton Manor, Peebles for 6000gns

3rd J & A Finlay - Blackcraig Fencer DOB 03/10/23 sire Dava Donald to J Maxwell, Jaw Farm, Fintry, Glasgow for 14000gns

 Senior Champion - Kirkstead Hercules

Reserve - Kirkstead Hector

 

Class 6

1st Mr James Campbell -  Kypehill Stetson DOB 12/01/24 sire Clerkhill Ranger

2nd Kilnstown Farms Ltd -  Fast Track of Kilnstown DOB 29/03/24 sire Outlander of Fingland to Alex Weeks, Castell Bedw for 2000gns

 

Junior champion Kypehill Stetson

Reserve Fast Track of Kilnstown

 

Overall male champion -  Swagger of Glenrath

Reserve - Stealth of Glenrath 

 

Unled Heifers

Class 7

1st M/s RA McClymont & Son -  Kirkstead Tricia G35 DOB 27/10/22 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone  to B Douglas, Castlederg, Co Tyrone for 2100gns

2nd M/s RA McClymont & Son -  Kirkstead Nancy G34 DOB 27/10/22 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone  to Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye 2300gns 

 

Class 8

1st M/s RA McClymont & Son -  Kirkstead Amber G19 DOB 03/10/22 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone  & Kirkstead Lea G32 DOB 23/10/22 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone to Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye for 2100gns

 

 

Heifers

Class 9

No entries

 

Class 10

1st Mr P Hunter Blair  - Foxglove Eyebright of Nether Cleugh DOB 04/10/22 sire Nucamp of Balgray 

2nd J & A Finlay -  Blackcraig Joan E1426 DOB 09/09/22 sire Dava Donald to Polston Farm, The Mill, Polston, Invercrynoch for 3000gns 

3rd J & A Finlay - Blackcraig Adele E1432 DOB 11/09/22 sire Barlaes Rivellino  

 

Class 11

1st & Female Champion  J & A Finlay -  Blackcraig Libby E1474 DOB 07/10/22 sire Nucamp of Balgray to C Macgregor, South Road, Insch for 9000gns

2nd J & A Finlay -  Blackcraig Moss Ross E1477 10/10/22 sire Barlaes Rivellino  to Polston Farm, The Mill, Polston, Invercrynoch for 3400gns

3rd Mr R McTurk -  Barlaes Nancy 194^th   DOB 20/12/22 sire Buccleuch Buster to Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye for 1900gns

 

Class 12

1^st & Reserve Champion M/s W Wallace & Sons - Brownie 11th of Fingland  DOB 14/08/23 sire Warhorse of Fingland to IHG Warden, Skelfhill, Hawick for 4200gns 

2nd M/s W Wallace & Sons -  Molly 215 of Fingland  DOB 05/04/23 sire Warhorse of Fingland to J & J Anderson, Upper Wellwood Farm, for 2200gns 

3rd M/s W Wallace & Sons - Urm 30th of Fingland  DOB 04/05/23 sire Oryan of Balgray to J Hepburn & Co, Northhouse Farm, Hawick for 2000gns

 

Class 13

1st Mr J Campbell -  Kypehill Jolene DOB 19/02/24 sire Clerkhill Ranger to S Langdon, Luckworthy Farm, Mollan, South Molton, Devon for 1400gns 

 

Female Champion  - Blackcraig Libby E1474

Reserve - Brownie 11th of Fingland

 

 

 

Young Handlers

 

1^st Ramsey McKinnel

2^nd Lloyd Ross

3^rd Innes Common