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.

LiveScot  –  FRIDAY 21^st  AND SATURDAY 22^nd  NOVEMBER 2025

Pedigree Calves:- Mr Donald MacLean, Balfron, Glasgow  

Classes and Overall Beef Championship Judge:-  Mr Keith Williamson, Co Tyrone, Ireland. 

Galloway Bullock wins Pure Bred Championship. 

A strong but select show of Galloways was forward for the 2025 LiveScot event held at Lanark Mart. The popular pedigree calf show, always a highlight for both exhibitors and the public, took place on Friday evening and featured four quality Galloway calves.

Champion Galloway Calf was awarded to I Spy of Over Barskeoch, exhibited by Messrs Wallace, Hannaston, Dalry, Castle Douglas. This October 2024-born calf is by Oryan of Balgray and out of Vavoom of Over Barskeoch, and is  the last bull calf sired by Oryan of Balgray and is destine for Castle Douglas Spring show and sale. 

Reserve Champion went to Issy Wkd of Over Barskeoch, also from the same home. This 13-month-old heifer is also by Oryan of Balgray and out of Wkd of Over Barskeoch, continuing the herd’s success. 

On Saturday morning, the Pure Bred Native Bullock class was judged, with first place going to Waughy, exhibited by Jason and Sarah Wareham, Little Tottingworth, Sussex and bred by Kilnstown Farms Ltd, Kilnstown, Bewcastle, Cumbria.  Born in September 2023, Waughy is by Outlander of Fingland and out of the renowned Marina of Kilnstown cow line, which has produced multiple native fatstock champions.

Later in the day, this stylish bullock went on to secure the Native Purebred Championship, then beating the Charolais to claim the overall Champion Pure Bred title. Waughy now heads to the Welsh Winter Fair to continue his show season.

The Society is delighted to present Jason and Sarah with the special cash prize of £250 awarded to the Galloway winning the Overall Native Championship at Livescot.

In the commercial calf competition, Jason and Sarah Wareham also enjoyed success with a very stylish home-bred steer calf in the class for animals born on or after 1st January 2025. Bandit, born 20/03/25, stood 2nd in a strong class of seven calves and impressed many ringside. He is certainly one to watch for the future.

The Reserve Galloway title went to Flash, bred and exhibited by J.P. Campbell & Sons, Grimmet, Ayr, and expertly shown by stockman Joe Cockburn. This impressive 18-month-old steer is sired by Blackcraig Dyker and out of Diamond 1st of Troloss. Flash weighed in at 510 kg and sold for £4 per kg, realising £2,040.

LEADING AWARDS

Pedigree calf Class

Bull born between 1^st July 2024 and 31^st December 2024

1st    Messrs Wallace, Hannaston, Dalry, Castle Douglas – I Spy of Over Barskeoch  born 09/10/24 Sire Oyran of Balgray dam  Vavoom of Over Barskeoch. 

 Heifer born between 1^st July 2024 and 31^st December 2024

 1^st Messrs Wallace – Issy Wkd of Over Barskeoch born 04/10/24 sire Oryan of Balgray dam Wkd of Over Barskeoch. 

2^nd D & L Watret, Muirfield, Lockerbie -  Criffelview Rosie born 05/09/24 sire Nucamp  of Balgray dam Blackcraig Rose

3rd Messrs Wallace,  Hannaston - Inca Rose dob 16/10/2024 sire Explosion of Over Barskeoch dam Variscite of Over Barskeoch

 Winning Champion medal and Kennedy Moffat Perpetual Challenge trophy -  I Spay of Over Barskeoch exhibited and bred by Messrs Wallace, Hannaston, Dalry, Castle Douglas 

Prime Cattle Classes

1^st   J & S Wareham, Little Tottingworth, Sussex – Waughy born 24/09/23 sire Outlander of Fingland, dam Marina of Kilnstown  bred by Kilnstown Farms Ltd, Kilnstown, Bewcastle, Carlilse. 

2^nd G McFadzean  Woodhead of Mailer -  Cherrybank Aberdeen Angus

3^rd JP Campbell and Sons, Grimmet, Ayr – Flash born 10/06/24  Sire Blackcraig Dyker dam  Diamond 1^st of Troloss  510kgs sold for 400ppk or £2040. 

4^th JP Campbell and Sons – Demon born 04/04/24 sire Blackcraig Dyker dam Katie 76^th of Troloss.  530kgs sold for 400ppk or £2120   to Ballards Butchers, Castle Douglas.