2026 Great Yorkshire Show

Tuesday 14^th July to Friday 17^th July 2026

Judge:- Willie McCornick, Newton Stewart

It was a repeat of the success achieved at the 2026 Royal Highland Show as Kirkstead Nancy H1, exhibited by Graham & Gall of the 3G Herd, Stirling, claimed both the Female Championship and the prestigious Overall Breed Championship.

The September 2023-born heifer, sired by Kirkstead Commander and out of Kirkstead Nancy Y23, first secured the Senior Heifer class before progressing to take the Female Championship and, ultimately, the Overall Breed Championship. This was a well-deserved accolade for this promising young female, who has continued to impress in the show ring and improved on her excellent 2025 performance when she stood Reserve Overall Champion at the Royal Highland Show.

Standing Reserve Overall Breed Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show was the outstanding cow Kirkstead Lea G11, exhibited by J & S Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries, and expertly shown by Doug and Lloyd. 

No stranger to success, Kirkstead Lea G11 once again demonstrated her exceptional quality at Harrogate. Shown with her stylish heifer calf at foot, Ego of Romesbeoch, the pair first won the Female in Milk class before going on to secure the Reserve Female Championship and, ultimately, the Reserve Overall Breed Championship.

Born in September 2022, Kirkstead Lea G11 is sired by Blackcraig Bugsy Malone and out of Kirkstead Lea D14, a daughter of the prolific Troloss Impeccable. Having previously claimed the Overall Breed Championship at the Royal Highland Show in 2025, she has continued her outstanding run of form, with her Reserve Overall Breed Championship at the Great Yorkshire show further highlighting her consistency, quality and maternal strength.

Reflecting on the championship line-up, judge Mr Willie McCornick commented:

“Today’s champion was a standout heifer, and I noticed her as soon as she entered the ring. She immediately caught my eye for her quality and presence. In the end, there was very little between the champion and reserve, making it an extremely close decision.

I would like to congratulate everyone who exhibited cattle today. It was a great show, and although it was disappointing that there were not more entries, the quality presented was outstanding.”

In the male championship classes, the Bull born on or after 1st January 2025 produced a strong result for the Kilnstown herd, with Mr A Waugh, Kilnstown, Bewcastle, Carlisle, securing both the first and second places.

Taking first place and the Male Championship was Hilux of Kilnstown, born 15/10/2025 and sired by Fast Track of Kilnstown. A stylish young bull, he impressed with his overall quality, breed character and presence in the ring.

Standing second and awarded Reserve Male Champion was fellow Kilnstown entry Gunner of Kilnstown, born 18/04/2025 and sired by Newton Cracker.

The champion and reserve Junior Female Championship, came from the  heifers born on or after 1st September 2024 class.

Taking first place and securing the Junior Female Championship was Beauty 2910 of Romesbeoch, exhibited by MJ Ross and sired by Troloss Legend. 

Standing second and awarded Reserve Junior Female Champion was May 27th of Kilnstown, exhibited by Alice Pittman, Nunnscleugh, Roweltown, Carlisle. Sired by Buccleuch Discovery and bred by Kilnstown Farms Ltd, she was purchased by Alice at the February Castle Douglas sale for 3,000gns to  establish her new Roadhead herd.

A special mention must also go to all exhibitors who supported the team competition and People’s Choice competition. Their commitment and effort in preparing and presenting cattle, particularly in the challenging heat throughout the week, was greatly appreciated.

The People’s Choice competition added an enjoyable element to the event and provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the breed to a wider audience, allowing visitors to engage with the cattle and have their say in selecting their favourite. Congratulations to everyone who took part and helped make both competitions a success.

Congratulations also to Andrew Waugh, who was the worthy recipient of the New Exhibitor Award, kindly presented by Debs and David Heath.

It was particularly encouraging to welcome three new exhibitors to the Galloway section this year, and we hope their involvement, along with continued support from existing exhibitors, will help build entries in the future. Increasing participation will be important to ensure the Galloway section continues to have a strong presence at the show in the years ahead.

Finally, a huge thank you must go to David and Debs Heath for their wonderful hospitality throughout the week. Their warm welcome, generosity and continued support are greatly appreciated and help make the Galloway Bar such a welcoming and enjoyable part of the show.

Congratulations once again to all exhibitors and prize winners. Your support and dedication continue to showcase everything that is great about the Galloway breed.

Leading Awards   

The Cholmondeley Perpetual Trophy for Galloway Champion:-   Kirkstead Nancy exhibited by J & J Graham & D Gall bred by RA McClymont & Son, Kirkstead, Yarrow, Selkirk.

Yorkshire Agricultural Society Cash Prize for Champion:-    Kirkstead Nancy exhibited by J & J Graham & D Gall bred by RA McClymont & Son, Kirkstead, Yarrow, Selkirk.

Slitheroford Perpetual Trophy for Group of Three Animals owned and bred by exhibitor :-   J & S Ross

Class Placings

Bull born on or after 1st January 2025

1st Mr A Waugh, Kilnstown, Bewcastle, Carlisle - Hilux of Kilnstown 15/10/25 Sire FastTrack of Kilnstown 

2nd Mr A Waugh - Gunner of Kilnstown 18/04/25 sire Newton Cracker. 

Cow

1st Mr MJ Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries - Kirkstead Lea G11 14/11/21 Sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone

Heifer born between 1 September 2023 & 31st August 2024

1st Messrs J & J Graham & D Gall, Mains of Burnbank, Blair Drummond, Stirling - Kirkstead Nancy 14/09/23 Sire Kirkstead Commander

2nd Miss J A Cowie, Gatehouse of Fleet – Blackcraig Dusty F1586 dob 21/09/23, sire Blackcraig Acrobat  Breeder J & A Finlay

3rd Mr A Nixon, Nunscleugh, Carlisle - Whintingstown Melanie 20/05/24 Sire Lincoln of Brockstones

4th Mrs P Jessop, Moorlands Farm, Leicestershire - Ufemia of Balgray 05/09/23 Sire Blackcraig Zodiac

Heifer born on or after 1st September 2024

1st MJ Ross - Beauty 2910 of Romesbeoch sire Troloss Legend

2nd  Alice Pittman, Nunnscleugh, Roweltown, Carlisle – May 27^th of Kilnstown, 30/09/24 sire Buccleuch Discovery,   Breeder Kilnstown Farms Ltd

3rd MJ Ross - Lea 3011 of Romesbeoch 23/09/25 Sire Ego of Romesbeoch 

4th Mrs P Jessop - Wendy of Balgray 01/03/25 Sire Kirkstead Expert

PAIR OF ANIMALS the property of the same exhibitor but not necessarily bred by the exhibitor. Open to animals already entered and SHOWN in this breed section. The winner of this class is eligible for the Pairs Championship on Friday of Show.

1^st - J & S Ross

GROUP OF THREE ANIMALS the property of the same exhibitor. Open to animals already entered and SHOWN in this breed section.  

1^st - J & S Ross – Kirkstead Lea G11, Beauty 2910 of Romeseboech, Lea 301 of Romesbeoch. 

Overall Champion - Kirkstead Nancy

Reserve overall -  Kirkstead Lea G11

Male Champion - Hilux of Kilnstown 

Reserve Male – Gunner of Kilnstown

Junior Champion -  Beauty 2431 of Romesbeoch 

Reserve Junior Champion  - May 27th of Kilnstown

Royal Highland Show – Edinbrugh

18th  to 21^st June, 2026

Judge: Mr John Tullie, Steading Cottage, Whitchester, Hawick

Overall & female champion-  Kirkstead Nancy H1 exhibited by Graham and Gall, Mains of Burnbank Farm, Blairdrummond, Stirling bred by RA McClymont & Son, Kirkstead, Yarrow, Selkirk. 

 Reserve female & overall reserve– Kirkstead Lea G11 exhibited by J & S Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries, bred by RA McClymont & Son, Kirkstead, Yarrow, Selkirk.

 Junior female champion   -  Criffelview Rosie, exhibited by D & L Watret, Muirfield, Lockerbie

Male champion – Newton Cracker exhibited by James Campbell, Kypehill, Strathaven, Lanarkshire bred by Messrs Telfer & Claxton, Newton High House, Newton, Stocksfield, Northumberland

The Royal Highland Show once again provided an outstanding showcase for the Galloway breed shown on Thursday, 18 June 2026, with a strong line-up of cattle presented before judge John Tullie.

Commenting on the day’s judging, Mr Tullie said: “I would like to congratulate all the exhibitors. Although the entry was small in number, the quality throughout was exceptionally high, and the Overall Champion was an outstanding exhibit.” 

Claiming both the Overall Breed Championship and Female Championship was Kirkstead Nancy H1, exhibited by Graham & Gall of the 3G Herd based at Stirling.   The September 2023-born heifer, by Kirkstead Commander and out of Kirkstead Nancy Y23, first secured the Senior Heifer class before progressing to take the Female Championship and ultimately the Overall Breed Championship. It was a well-deserved accolade for the promising young heifer, who improved on her impressive 2025 performance when she stood Reserve Overall Champion.

Standing Reserve Overall Breed Champion was the outstanding cow Kirkstead Lea G11, exhibited by J & S Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries and was ably shown by Doug and Lloyd.   No stranger to success at Ingliston, Kirkstead Lea G11 claimed the Overall Breed Championship in 2025. This year, shown with her heifer calf at foot by Ego of Romesbeoch, the pair won the Female in Milk class before going on to secure the Reserve Female Championship and Reserve Overall Breed Championship.  Born in September 2022, she is sired by Blackcraig Bugsy Malone and out of Kirkstead Lea D14, a daughter of the prolific Troloss Impeccable.

The Male Championship was awarded to Newton Cracker, exhibited by James Campbell. Born in July 2021, Cracker is by Avenger of Kilnstown and out of Parkend Madaleen. He was purchased from Andrew Waugh, Kilnstown, at the 2025 Castle Douglas Spring Sale for 3,500gns. Having been awarded Reserve Male Champion at the Royal Highland Show in 2025, he returned this year to go one step further and claim the Male Championship.

Another exhibitor to build on previous success was David and Lynn Watret of the Criffelview Herd, Muirfield, Lockerbie. Their home-bred heifer, Criffelview Rosie, was awarded the Junior Championship. The stylish 21-month-old heifer is by Nucamp of Balgray and out of Blackcraig Rose D1299. The Watrets also enjoyed success at the 2025 Royal Highland Show, when Kirkstead Quirk was named Reserve Junior Champion, making this year’s Junior Championship another notable achievement for the herd.

New Exhibitor Award

Congratulations are extended to Alice Pittman, Nunnscleugh, Roweltown, Carlisle, who received this year’s New Exhibitor Award, kindly sponsored by David and Debs Heath.

The award recognises first-time exhibitors at the Royal Highland Show and celebrates those taking their first steps into showing Galloway cattle. Alice established her new Roadhead Herd after purchasing a  lovely heifer from Andrew Waugh, Kilnstown, at the Castle Douglas Spring Sale. We hope this marks the beginning of many successful years in the show ring and wish Alice every success with her new herd.

As in previous years, the Galloway Cattle Society was delighted to host its exhibition stand throughout the Royal Highland Show, providing an excellent platform to promote the breed while welcoming members, prospective breeders and visitors over the four-day event.

A sincere thank you is extended to everyone who gave their time to help on the stand, provided the much-appreciated home baking and refreshments, and joined us for the traditional after-show drinks reception. Your enthusiasm, generosity and support helped create a warm and welcoming focal point throughout the show, and your contribution is sincerely appreciated.

Leading Awards

Champion Medal, Dr William Heughan Memorial Trophy, The Dr Gillespie Memorial Challenge Trophy and cash prize for breed champion.

Graham & Gall                                                            Kirkstead Nancy H1

 Rosette for best Junior Female

Junior Champion Prize of £25, Rosette for best Junior Animal, 

 D & L Watret                                                             Criffelview Rosie                                

The Francis Gourlay Galloway Cattle Society Memorial Challenge Cup, Rosette for best Female

Graham & Gall                                                            Kirkstead Nancy H1

Rosette for reserve Female

J & S Ross                                                                   Kirkstead Lea G11

The Galloway Cattle Society 100^th Show Perpetual Silver Challenge Cup, Rosette for best Bull

 J Campbell                                                                 Newton Cracker

Rosette for best reserve bull – No Entries

Bronze Medal for Breeder of best Bull

Messrs Telfer & Claxton, Newton High House, Newton, Stocksfield, Northumberland

 Rosette for herdsman in charge of best Animal.

Mr John Graham

  The Reid- Walker Perpetual Challenge bowl for best Group, consisting of one Bull and two Females all being the property of one Exhibitor

No entries          

The Tordarroch Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the Exhibitor gaining most points in the Galloway Classes

J & S Ross 

New Exhibitor Prize of £100 kindly presented by David and Debs Heath, Yorkshire Show   - Alice Pittman 

 Class Placings

 FEMALE born on or after 1st January 2025      

1^st J & S Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries – Beauty 2910 of Romesbeoch dob 20/02/25 sire Toloss Legend, Dam Beauty 2431 of Romesbeoch

2^nd  Ciara Campbell,  Kypehill, Strathaven, Lanarkshire – Kypehill Rio Bravo dob 03/03/25 sire Clerkhill Ranger dam Only U of Balgray

FEMALE born on or between 1st September and 31st December 2024 

 1^stD & L Watret, Muirfield, Hightae, Lockerbie–   Criffelview Rosie, dob 05/09/23 sire Nucmp of Balgray dam Blackcraig Rose D1299

2^nd D & L Watret – Largo Gorgeous of Nether Cleugh dob 14/03/24  sire Pele of Upper Buckna dam Largo Beauty of Nether Cleugh,  breeder Mr P Hunter Blair,.

3^rd Alice Pittman, Nunnscleugh, Roweltown, Carlisle – May 27^th of Kilnstown, sire Buccleuch Discovery, dam May 23^rd of Kilnstown, breeder Kilnstown Farms Ltd,

   FEMALE born on or between 1st September 2023 and 31st December 2023  

1^st Graham & Gall, Mains of Burnbank, Blair Drummond, Stirling – Kirkstead Nancy H1, dob 14/09/23 sire; Kirkstead Commander, dam; Kirkstead Nancy Y23, Breeder RA McClymont & Son 

2nd Miss J A Cowie, Gatehouse of Fleet – Blackcraig Dusty F1586 dob 21/09/23, sire Blackcraig Acrobat dam Blackcraig Dusty Z871 Breeder J & A Finlay

FEMALE born on or between 1^st January 2024 and 31^st August 2024   

 1^st A & A Nixon, Nunscleugh, Carlisle–  Melanie of Whitingstown dob 20/05/24 sire Lincoln of Brockstone, dam Barlaes Grace 101st

 FEMALE, in Milk, born before 1st September 2023                     

1^st J & S Ross – Kirkstead Lea G11, dob 23/09/22, sire; Blackcraig Bugsy Malone, dam; Kirkstead Lea D14, breeder RA McClymont & Son

 2nd Dexter & Carolyn Logan, Greenhead, Alva, Clackmannanshire -  Political of Balgray dob 18/04/2019 sire Troloss Impeccable dam Penninghame Union Breeder D & R Cornthwaite

 BULL born on or after 31^st December 2022 

 1^st James Campbell – Newton Cracker, dob 03/07/21, sire; Avenger of Kilnstown, dam; Parkend Madaleen, breeder Messrs Telfer & Claxton.

Galloway On-Farm Herd Competition 2026

Applications are now open for the On-Farm Herd Competition 2026.
Please submit your entry to the Secretary by email or telephone.

Regions:
• Ireland
• Scotland, North East & Cumbria
• Rest of England & Wales

Herd Categories:
• Small Herds
• Medium Herds
• Large Herds

Special Prizes:
• Best Stock Bull
• Best Cow with Pure or Crossbred Calf

Closing Date for Entries:
30th June 2026

How to Enter:
Submit your entry to the Secretary by email or telephone.

Judging Period:
July and early August 2026

 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – FRIDAY, 29th MAY 2026
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2025

Notice is hereby given that the Hybrid Annual General Meeting of the Galloway Cattle Society of GB & Ireland will take place on:

Date: Friday, 29th May 2026
Time: 1:30 PM
Venue: The Kings Arms Hotel, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloways

Members are welcome to attend in person or join remotely via Zoom.
To receive the Zoom link, please email the office.

Download the full notice, agenda, and 2025 Annual Report & Accounts below.

Castle Douglas 2026 Spring Show and Sale

The recent sale hosted by the Galloway Cattle Society saw averages rise across all sections, with a 100% clearance in the female section and a 75% clearance in the bull section, reflecting strong demand for Galloways.

Averages

26 bulls sold £7309.00 (24 sold £5508.13) + £1880.87

7 bulling heifers sold £2910.00 (11 sold £1765.91) + £1144.09

5 incalf heifer sold £3570 ( 11 £3455.45) + £114.55

The Finlay family of Blackcraig, Corsock, Castle Douglas enjoyed an outstanding day’s trading, securing the top prices in both the male and female sections.

Leading the male trade at 22,000gns was Blackcraig Gaffer, a September 2024-born son of Wareham’s Trojan. After standing first in his class and claiming Reserve Senior Champion at the pre-sale show, he met strong demand in the ring before selling to Messrs Warden, Skelfhill, Hawick.

Topping the female section at 5,000gns was the Female Champion, Blackcraig Moss Rose A1581. Born in September 2023, she is by the homebred bull Blackcraig Acrobat and was purchased by the previous day’s female judge, Fiona Gilligan of High Creoch, Gatehouse of Fleet.

Also forward from the Blackcraig team was Blackcraig Ghille, placed second to Gaffer in his class. The 18-month-old, by Blackcraig Caledonia and out of Blackcraig Indigo, realised 5,000gns when selling to CC & DA Fawcett, Nether Cottage, Ireby, Carnforth.

In the heifer section, three Blackcraig entries each achieved 3,000gns. Leading them was the Reserve Champion, Blackcraig Shields F1599, a daughter of Nucamp of Balgray, which sold to CA Jessop & Sons, Moorlands Farm, Coalville. Also at 3,000gns was Blackcraig Dusty F1586, a daughter of Blackcraig Acrobat, purchased by Judith Cowie, Castle Douglas, and Blackcraig Moss Rose F1601, another Nucamp of Balgray daughter, which sold to FE Strang Steel, Philiphaugh.

Also enjoying a highly successful day were the team at Glenrath Farms Ltd, Peebles, whose quartet of bulls realised 8,000gns, 20,000gns, 17,000gns and 7,800gns respectively.

Their first bull into ring was their Champion, Thor of Glenrath, one of the first sons to be offered for sale by the world record-priced bull Blackcraig Dyker. The impressive 20-month-old, out of Diamond P006 of Trolosse — a daughter of Yorker of Romesbeoch — went on to sell for 8,000gns to Andrew Tullie, Whitchester Farm, Haysike, Hawick.

Leading the trade at 20,000gns was Titan of Glenrath, which had stood Reserve Champion at the previous day’s show. Also sired by Blackcraig Dyker, he sold in a half share to Allan McClymont, Kirkstead, Yarrow, and Stewart McIntosh, Borthwickshiels, Roberton, Hawick.

Another bull to attract shared ownership was the second-placed Topgun of Glenrath. Also by Blackcraig Dyker, he realised 17,000gns when purchased jointly by Richard Nixon, Barbrack, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, and Dexter and Carolynn Logan, Stirling.

Rounding off a strong trade for the consignment was Tornado of Glenrath, which achieved 7,800gns selling to Hunter Smith, Whylliesyke, Gilsland, Carlisle.

The next five-figure call of the day came at 14,000gns for Ben Lomond Ironman. This May 2024-born bull is sired by Zonda of Kilnstown and had earlier secured first place in his class at the show. He was purchased by Michael McCornick, Barquhill, Wigtown, Newton Stewart.

In the female section the next best was 4,000gns was Fearless 1st of Marbrack from Richard Nixon, Marbrack, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas. By Kirkstead Fugitive and out of Emblehope Fearless, a daughter of Barlaes Pioneer, she sold to FE Strang Steel.

Three further heifers realised 3,000gns. Kirkstead Amber H4 from RA McClymont & Sons, Kirkstead, Yarrow, Hawick — a Blackcraig Bugsy Malone daughter born on 17 September 2023 and scanned in-calf — sold to SR & RJ Langdon, Luckworthy Farm, Molland, Devon. Matching that figure was Barlaes Brownie 262nd from Society Chairman Mr Robert McTurk, Barlaes, Dalry, Castle Douglas. This Barlaes Uig daughter was also secured by FE Strang Steel.

The youngest heifer sold, May 27th of Kilnstown, from Kilnstown Farms Ltd, also sold for 3,000gns. This September 2024-born daughter of Buccleuch Discovery was purchased by Alice Pittman of Nunnsleugh, Roweltown, Carlisle to establish her new Roadhead herd.

Castle Douglas Spring Sale - A Big Thank You!

A huge thank you to all the vendors, purchasers, and underbidders who participated in the Castle Douglas Spring Sale. Congratulations to everyone on the successful sale, and best of luck with your new animals.

 List of Vendors, Prices, and Purchasers available below:-

Lot No Vendor Name Gns Purchaser

1 JRF Pattinson & Son Vinny of Hottbank 6000gns HL Whitfield & Son, Cumbria

 6 Mr R J McTurk (Barlaes) Barlaes Xanadu 2500gns S Smith, Tresmeak

7 Mr R J McTurk (Barlaes) Barlaes X Man 6500gns RA & JP Cornelius, Bodmin

8 Mr R J McTurk (Barlaes) Barlaes X -Factor 3500gns R Stobbart & M Miradoli, Lower Swainshead

13 Glenrath Farms Ltd Thor of Glenrath 8000gns A Tullie, Hawick

15 Messrs J, M & D Maxwell Ben Lomond Iceman 4800gns Mr Byers, Wigton

16 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Beasty Boy of Fingland 4500gns B Heyes, Rainford

17 Glenrath Farms Ltd Titan of Glenrath 20000gns A McClymont, Kirkstead and S McIntosh, Huntly

18 R & M McIntosh Huntly Heineken 4200gns I R & KM Elwis, Erray

19 Mr IHG Warden Skelfhill Gordon 6200gns Jd Wilkinson, Inchkeith

20 Mr IHG Warden Skelfhill George 5500gns CA Jessop & Sons Moorlands

21 R & M McIntosh Huntly Hector 5000gns J Heard, Hughslade

22 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Dark Destroyer of Fingland 5000gns Ardwall Farms Ltd, Gatehouse of Fleet

23 Mr J R Galloway Cardona Hercules 6000gns K & S Kempson, Cowpe

24 Messrs J, M & D Maxwell Ben Lomond Ironman 14000gns M McCornick, Barquhill

25 Glenrath Farms Ltd Topgun of Glenrath 17000gns R Nixon, Marbrack & D & C Logan, Rogan

26 Glenrath Farms Ltd Tornado of Glenrath 7800gns H Smith, Wiley Sikes

26a Mr R Nixon Diddly Squat of Marbrack 4000gns Mr P Raine, Park End Farm

27 J & S Ross Hugo of Romesbeoch 5500gns Hedgeley Farms, Alnwick

28 Messrs J & A Finlay Blackcraig Ghylle 5000gns CC Fawcett, Carnforth

29 Messrs J & A Finlay Blackcraig Gaffer 22000gns Messrs Warden, Skelfhill

 33 Mr James Campbell Kypehill Spur 2800gns RSPB - Kinnabus

35 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Wingman 5000gns G Hammer & Son, Llanidloes

36 Messrs Wallace I Spy of Over Barskeoch 3200gns W J Henderson, Whitehill

37 Messrs Wallace Iron Man Over Barskeoch 3000gns PG Able, Tavistock

38 J & S Ross Ki of Romesbeoch 4000gns J & M Brown, Bridgemark.

40 R A McClymont & Son Kirkstead Amber H4 3000gns SR & RJ Langdon, Luckworthy

41 Messrs J & A Finlay Blackcraig Moss Rose A1581 5000gns G & K Gilligan, High Creoch

42 Messrs J & A Finlay Blackcraig Dusty F1586 3000gns J Cowie, Castle Douglas

43 Messrs J & A Finlay Blackcraig Shields F1599 3000gns CA Jessop & Sons, Moorlands

44 Messrs J & A Finlay Blackcraig Moss Rose F1601 3000gns FE Strang Steel, Lymiecleugh

45 D & C Logan Rogan Laura 2nd 2500gns SR & RJ Langdon, Luckworthy

47 R J McTurk Barlaes Brownie 262nd 3000gns FE Strang Steel, Lymiecleugh

50 R Nixon Fearless 1st of Marbrack 4000gns FE Strang Steel, Lymiecleugh

51 R Nixon Freda 1st of Marbrack 2800gns W MacLean, Inverglen

52 Mr P Hunter Blair Largo Gorgeous of Nether Cleugh 2200gns D & L Watret, Criffelview

53 Mr P Hunter Blair Countess Grace of Nether Cleugh 1900gns SR & RJ Langdon, Luckworthy

54 Kilnstown Farms Ltd May 27th of Kilnstown 3000gns A Pittman, Roadhead

Full report and photos to follow

2026 Castle Douglas Show Report

A huge congratulations to Glenrath Farms Ltd for taking home the Male Champion and Reserve Male Champion titles for the second year running

Also, congratulations to J & A Finlay, Blackcraig Livestock for their incredible achievement with the Female Champion and Reserve Female Champion awards!

 Thanks to our judges: Fiona Gilligan, David Cornthwaite, and Douglas Waugh for their time and expertise.

A special thanks to our sponsors: Davidson Animal Feeds and MacMin (Bill Brown) for their support.

Championship Awards

Overall Male and 2-Year-Old Champion – Thor of Glenrath, bred and exhibited by Glenrath Farms Ltd, Peebles, born 03/04/24, sire Blackcraig Dyker.

Reserve Male and Reserve 2-Year-Old Champion – Titan of Glenrath, bred and exhibited by Glenrath Farms Ltd, born 08/04/24, sire Blackcraig Dyker.

Senior Champion – Ki of Romesbeoch, bred and exhibited by J & S Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, 20/10/24, sire Troloss Nimrod.

Reserve Senior Champion – Blackcraig Gaffer, bred and exhibited by J & A Finlay, Blackcraig, Corsock, Castle Douglas, born 05/09/24, sire Wareham’s Trojan.

Junior Champion – Gunner of Kilsntown, bred and exhibited by Kilsntown Farms Ltd, Bewcastle, Carlisle, born 18/04/25, sire Newton Cracker.

Female Champion – Blackcraig Moss Rose A1581, bred and exhibited by J & A Finlay, born 19/09/23, sire Blackcraig Acrobat.

Reserve Female Champion – Blackcraig Shields F1599, bred and exhibited by J & A Finlay, born 27/09/23, sire Nucamp of Balgray.

Best Pair of Bulls – Glenrath Farms Ltd

Reserve Pair of Bulls - J & S Ross

Group of Three females – J & A Finlay

Class Placings

Class 1

1st – Floyd of Nether Cleugh, Mr P Hunter Blair, Nether Cleugh, born 21/09/23, sire Drifter of Low Three Mark

2nd – Hercules of Over Barskeoch, Messrs Wallace, Over Barskeoch, born 17/10/23, sire Oryan of Balgray

Class 2

1st – Barlaes X-Factor, Mr R McTurk, Barlaes, born 20/03/24, sire Buccleuch Buster

2nd – Barlaes Xanadu, Mr R McTurk, born 10/03/23, sire Buccleuch Buster

3rd – Barlaes X Man, Mr R McTurk, born 19/03/24, sire Buccleuch Buster

4th – Klondyke Impact, Klondyke Farms Ltd, born 22/03/24, sire Barquhill Buster

Class 3

1st – Thor of Glenrath, Glenrath Farms Ltd, born 03/04/24, sire Blackcraig Dyker

2nd – Titan of Glenrath, Glenrath Farms Ltd, born 08/04/24, sire Blackcraig Dyker

3rd – Skelfhill Gordon, Mr I H G Warden, Skelfhill, born 14/04/24, sire Quartz of Trolosse

4th – Skelfhill George, Mr I H G Warden, Skelfhill, born 15/04/24, sire Quartz of Trolosse

Class 4

1st – Ben Lomond Ironman, Messrs J, M & D Maxwell, born 01/05/24, sire Zonda of Kilnstown

2nd – Topgun of Glenrath, Glenrath Farms, born 01/06/24, sire Blackcraig Dyker

3rd – Dark Destroyer of Fingland, Messrs W Wallace, Fingland, sire Billy Connolly of Fingland

4th – Cardona Hercules, Mr J R Galloway, Cardona, born 22/04/24, sire Kirkstead Commodore

Class 5

1st – Blackcraig Gaffer, J & A Finlay, born 05/09/24, sire Wareham’s Trojan

2nd – Blackcraig Ghylle, J & A Finlay, born 02/09/24, sire Blackcraig Caledonia (ET)

3rd – Kypehill Spur, Mr J Campbell, born 26/09/24, sire Eli of Nether Cleugh

4th – Groover of Kilnstown, Kilnstown Farms Ltd, born 21/09/24, sire Buccleuch Discovery

Class 6

1st – Ki of Romesbeoch, J & S Ross, born 20/10/24, sire Troloss Nimrod

2nd – Barquhill Electric, Mr M McCornick, Barquhill, born 01/10/24, sire Bonanza of Nether Cleugh

3rd – Kirkstead Wingman, Messrs RA McClymont & Son, Kirkstead, born 06/10/24, sire Kirkstead Commander

4th – I Spy of Over Barskeoch, Messrs Wallace, Over Barskeoch, born 09/10/24, sire Oryan of Balgray

Class 7

1st – Gunner of Kilnstown, Kilnstown Farms Ltd, born 18/04/25, sire Newton Cracker

Class 8

1st – Blackcraig Moss Rose A1581, J & A Finlay, Blackcraig, born 19/09/23, sire Blackcraig Acrobat

2nd – Blackcraig Shields F1599, J & A Finlay, born 27/09/23, sire Nucamp of Balgray

3rd – Blackcraig Dusty F1586, J & A Finlay, born 21/09/23, sire Blackcraig Xtreme

4th – Kirkstead Amber, Messrs RA McClymont, born 17/09/23, sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone

Class 9

1st – Fearless 1st of Marbrack, Mr R Nixon, Marbrack, born 11/04/24, sire Kirkstead Fugitive

2nd – Barlaes Brownie 262nd, Mr R McTurk, born 18/03/24, sire Barlaes Uig

3rd – Freda 1st of Marbrack, Mr R Nixon, born 09/05/24, sire Kirkstead Fugitive

Class 10

1st – May 27th of Kilnstown, Kilnstown Farms Ltd, born 30/09/24, sire Buccleuch Discovery

2nd – Countess Grace of Nether Cleugh, Mr P Hunter Blair, born 19/09/24, sire Pele of Upper Buckna

3rd – Largo Gorgeous of Nether Cleugh, Mr P Hunter Blair, born 14/09/24, sire Pele of Upper Buckna

First Sons of Record-Breaking Bull to Enter Sale Ring at Castle Douglas

Four bulls sired by 26,000gns world record breaker Blackcraig Dyker will be among the standout entries at the Galloway Cattle Society’s Spring Show and Sale

The offspring of one of Galloway breeding’s most expensive bulls will take centre stage when the Galloway Cattle Society holds its annual Spring Show and Sale at Wallets Mart, Castle Douglas on 12th and 13th February 2026.

Glenrath Farms Ltd will present four bulls sired by Blackcraig Dyker, the bull that commanded a world record price of 26,000gns when Glenrath purchased him at the 2023 Castle Douglas sale, smashing the previous 22,000gns world record that had stood for 34 years. 

Thor, Titan, Topgun and Tornado of Glenrath represent the first crop of bulls from this exceptional sire to enter the sale ring, offering breeders a rare opportunity to invest in proven elite genetics.

When Glenrath Farms purchased him three years ago, they were making a bold statement about their commitment to the future of Galloway cattle. That investment is now bearing fruit, with these four young bulls demonstrating the quality and consistency that justified his record-breaking price.

Glenrath’s success story continued in 2025 when they set a new world record of 27,000gns with Swagger of Glenrath, cementing their position as serious investors in top Galloway genetics. Their string of bulls this year will be closely watched by breeders seeking bloodlines that combine proven performance with championship potential.

Notable Entries Across All Classes

The sale will feature 39 bulls and 17 heifers from established and newer breeders across Scotland, northern England and beyond. Among the other standout entries are:

Lot 39: Gunner of Kilnstown, the first son of Newton Cracker, the 2025 Reserve Bull Champion at the Royal Highland Show. 

Lots 6, 7, 8: Three bulls from Society Chairman Robert McTurk’s renowned Barlaes herd, the oldest recorded herd of any breed of cattle in the world, traceable back to Lady of Barlae in 1866. The sale marks Mr McTurk’s first Castle Douglas Spring Sale since taking on the chairmanship.

Lots 19, 20: Two bulls from Skelfhill, sired by Quartz of Trolossé, representing the continued success of Ali and Leisa Warden’s relatively new Galloway venture. The Wardens made headlines at the 2025 sale when their debut bull Skelfhill Fortnum achieved 24,000gns.

Lots 45, 49: Two heifers from Rogan, including progeny from their carefully selected Blackcraig and Troloss bloodlines.

Lot 1: Vinny of Hottbank from J.R.F Pattinson & Son represents cross-border interest in Galloways, coming from Northumberland. Already proven in service during 2025, this Kirkstead Yeoman son brings established breeding credentials to the sale.

Lot 23: Cardona Hercules from Robbie Galloway continues the strong Perthshire presence at Castle Douglas, with this Kirkstead Commodore son out of Klondyke Lassie.

Experienced Judges Bring Fresh Perspectives

The quality of entries will be assessed by two highly respected judges. 

David Cornthwaite of Balgray, Lockerbie, will judge the bulls, bringing decades of experience breeding both commercial and pedigree cattle. Mr Cornthwaite and his wife Rosemarie built the Balgray herd into a byword for quality and consistency, achieving significant success at agricultural shows and on-farm competitions throughout their career. Recently retired from active farming, his lifelong dedication to the breed makes him an ideal judge for this prestigious event.

Fiona Gilligan of High Creoch, Gatehouse of Fleet, will judge the females. The Gilligan family has been farming at High Creoch for over 52 years, with Fiona taking over day-to-day management two years ago. The farm runs 50 pedigree Galloway cows, predominantly Black with some White and Belted Galloways kept pure. Despite not showing cattle since the early 2000s, the High Creoch herd enjoyed considerable success during the late 1980s and 1990s, winning championship honours at major shows including Carlisle and Castle Douglas.

Douglas Waugh of Kilnstown, Bewcastle, will serve as shadow judge. The Waugh family has maintained Galloways at Kilnstown for more than 140 years, running 35 pure-bred Galloways alongside a 75-strong commercial herd.

A Sale With Strong Fundamentals

Dorothy Goldie, Breed Secretary of the Galloway Cattle Society, said: 

“The quality of entries this year reflects the continued confidence in Galloway cattle as the ideal breed for sustainable, profitable farming. Having the first sons of Blackcraig Dyker come forward is particularly exciting and demonstrates how our established breeders continue to invest in moving the breed forward.

“We’re also delighted to welcome our judges this year. Both David Cornthwaite and Fiona Gilligan bring decades of practical experience and a deep understanding of what makes a good Galloway. As a breed that has proven itself time and again as a low-input, high-output breed that delivers premium beef from marginal land, these cattle are increasingly recognised as natural capital assets, and we are looking forward to the Spring Sale and Show celebrating the very best of what the Galloway breed has to offer.”

The Show begins at 10:30am on Thursday 12th February, with the Sale taking place on Friday 13th February from 11am, preceded by the Parade of Bulls at 10am.