Royal Highland Show – Edinbrugh, 20th  to 23rd June, 2024

Judge: Mr Jimmy Wallace, Fingland, Dalry, Castle Douglas. 

• Overall & female champion- Blackcraig Blondchen D1314, exhibited and bred by J & A Finlay, Blackcraig, Corsock, Castle Douglas
• Reserve female, overall reserve and junior female champion – Kirkstead Lea G11 exhibited by J & S Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead bred by RA McClymont & Son, Kirkstead, Yarrow, Selkirk. 
• Male and junior male champion  – Gage of Romesbeoch,   exhibited and bred by J & S Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries. 
• Reserve junior female – Foxglove Eyebright of Nether Cleugh exhibited and bred by P Hunter Blair, Nether Cleugh, Dalry, Castle Douglas. 

Blackcraig Blondchen D1314 Shines at Championship Debut

Blackcraig Blondchen D1314 secured the overall  championship on her first outing for John, Ann, and Iain Finlay of Blackcraig, Corsock, Castle Douglas. This September 2021 heifer, is sired by Nucamp of Balgray, who was purchased through a private deal and has produced sons fetching up to 7000gns and daughters reaching 7500gns. On the dam’s side, Blackcraig Blondchen Z850, a daughter of Blackcraig Xtreme, has recently contributed to an ET (Embryo Transfer) programme to Australia. 

The reserve champion was Kirkstead Lea G11, exhibited by Jim, Selina, and Doug Ross of Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries. This 21-month-old heifer, who also received the junior championship award, is by Blackcraig Bugsy Malone.   Kirkstead Lea G11 was purchased at the Castle Douglas 2024 spring sale for 2400gns. Her dam, Kirkstead Lea D14, is sired by the prolific Troloss Impeccable.

Romesbeoch also received the male champion with Gage of Romesbeoch, this September 2023 born bull is by Strathurr Yogi  and out of Twinkle 1589 of Romesbeoch, a Turbo Tam of Nether Cleugh daughter. 

The reserve junior champion Foxglove Eyebright of Nether Cleugh, from Peter Hunter Blair, Nether Cleugh, Dalry, Castle Douglas,  this October 2022 who  is also by Nucamp of Balgray and out of Foxglove Xaviera of Nether Cleugh a Ladywells Notable 242N (Canada) daughter.

Congratulations to James Campbell, Kypeside, Strathaven, who received the new exhibitor award which is kindly donated by David and Debs Heath. 

Well travelled Jason and Sarah Wareham, from Sussex   exhibited a Galloway cross in the Commercial section -  Star bar, a home bred Galloway cross heifer achieved the Native Championship for the second year running. 

As in previous years, the Society proudly hosted its exhibition stand at the event. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who staffed the stand, contributed delicious sweet treats, and joined us for the after-show drinks reception. Your support and participation is much appreciated.

Leading Awards

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

John and Ann Finlay, Blackcraig Blondchen D1314

Rosette for best Junior Female

J & S Ross, Kirkstead Lea G11

Rosette for best Junior Bull,                                                                  

 J & S Ross, Gage of Romesbeoch

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

J & S Ross, Kirkstead Lea G11

Rosette for reserve Junior Animal 

P Hunter Blair, Foxglove Eyebright of Nether Cleugh

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

J & A Finlay, Blackcraig Blondchen D1314

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 & S Ross, Gage of Romesbeoch

Rosette for best reserve bull

 No Entries

Bronze Medal for Breeder of best Bull

J & S Ross, Gage of Romesbeoch

Rosette for herdsman in charge of best Animal.

Mr Iain Finlay

Rosette for best Animal bred by Exhibitor

J & A Finlay, Blackcraig Blondchen D1314

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

 J & S Ross

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   

James Campbell 

Class Placings

FEMALE born on or after 1st January 2023           

1^st P Hunter Blair, Nether Cleugh, Dalry, Castle Douglas – Countess Emma of Nether Cleugh born 04/02/23 sire Klondyke Domino, dam Countess Winnie of Nether Cleugh

2^nd J & A Finlay, Blackcraig, Corsock, Castle Douglas – Blackcraig Blondchen E1500 born 02/03/23 sire Blackcraig Acrobat, dam Blackcraig Blondchen Z850

3^rd James Campbell, Kypehill, Strathaven, Lanarkshire – Kypehill Lonesome Dove born 09/04/23 sire Warhorse of Fingland, dam Napalm of Balgray

4^th Judith Cowie, 52 Catherine Street, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire – Clerkhill Thyme born 19/03/23 sire Outlook of Trolosse, dam Clerkhill Ohio 

FEMALE born on or between 1st September and 31st December 2022                    

1^st  J & S Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries-  Kirkstead Lea G11 born 23/09/22 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone, dam Kirkstead Lea D14

2^nd P Hunter Blair – Foxglove Eyebright of Nether Cleugh born 04/10/22 sire Nucamp of Balgray, dam Foxglove Xaviera of Nether Cleugh

3^rd D & R Cornthwaite, Balgray, Lockerbie – Tiana of Balgray born 19/09/22 sire Blackcraig Kodiac dam Penninghame Queen 

FEMALE born on or between 1st September 2021 and 31st August 2022

1^st J & A Finlay – Blackcraig Blondchen D1314 born 02/01/22 sire Nucamp of Balgray, dam Blackcraig Blondchen Z850

2^nd D Gall and J & J Graham, Burnbank, Blair Drummond, Stirling – Blackcraig Noreen D1321 born 02/01/22 sire Nucamp of Balgray dam Blackcraig Noreen

3^rd J & S Wareham, Little Tottingworth Farm. Broadoak, Heathfield, East Sussex – Tottingworth’s Gracie 2^nd, born 04/01/22 sire Wareham Blackjack, dam Wareham’s Grace 1^st   

4^th J & S Ross – Nerys 2566 of Romesbeoch born 07/02/22 sire Penninghame Windward, dam Nerys 2175 of Romesbeoch

5^th R & V Marshall, 29 York Street,  Inverurie, Keith, Banffshire   – Barlaes Black Ice 9^th   born 02/01/22, sire Buccleuch Buster, dam Barlaes Black Ice 6^th

6^th D & L Watret, Muirfield, Hightae, Lockerbie– Countess Delilah of Nether Cleugh born 16/09/21 sire Blackcraig Ynot dam Countess Winnie of Nether Cleugh

7^th D & L Watret – Blackcraig Rose D1299 born 15/09/22 sire Barlaes Rivellino dam Rose 29^th of Auchenhay

8^th Robert Galloway, Cardona, Perthshire – Cardona Fiona 358  born 14/04/2022 sire Kirkstead Commondore dam Klondyke Lassie

9^th R & V Marshall – Irene 39^th of Gass born 03/02/22 sire Tegsnose Kodiak, dam Irene 47^th of Gass

FEMALE, in Milk, born before 1st September 2021                         

1^st  D & R Cornthwaite – Phoebe of Balgray born 04/09/19 sire Troloss Impreccable, dam Penninghame Queen 

BULL born on or after 1st January 2022 

1^st J & S Ross – Gage of Romesbeoch born 21/09/22 sire Strathurr Yogie, dam Twinkle 1589 of Romesbeoch. 

The Galloway Cattle Society Autumn Show and Sale will take place at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on
Friday 8th November, 2024.

For more information please contact H&H 01228 406200

on WEDNESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2PM

on behalf of
the late Clive Groves and the late John Ponzo

• 90 Continental & Native Suckler Cows & 90 Calves
• 30 Pedigree & non pedigree Galloway Cows & 27 Calves
• 3 Galloway stock bulls

Contact: Bradley Towell M: 07496 263916
Trevor Rowland M: 07968 480401
Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Somerset, BA11 2QB
01373 830033 info@fromelivestock.com

Only two days to the first joint sale of Galloways at Ballymena Mart, if you are unable to attend the sale, watch the sale live with MartEye.

Show and sale of 67 Belted Galloway, Black Galloway and White Galloway Cattle on 

FRIDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2024.

Show 11am and Sale 2.00pm.

J A MCCLELLAND & SONS LTD
WOODSIDE ROAD, BALLYMENA
CO ANTRIM
TEL: 028 25 633470
info@ballymenalivestockmarket.com

Thursday 27th March to Wednesday 2nd April, 2025

2025 World Galloway Congress, which will be hosted by the Galloway Cattle Society of New Zealand. It promises to be a fantastic event with an exciting itinerary. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the South Island to see not only the beautiful Galloways but also the spectacular scenery.

WE WELCOME YOU TO THE WORLD GALLOWAY CONGRESS 2025 IN NEW ZEALAND

Invercargill in the deep south of the South Island is our starting point for this exciting time of shared experiences, great food and fellowship from Thursday 27 March to Wednesday 2 April. Following registrations in the afternoon, we share a Cultural Welcome and Dinner at the Marae on Thursday evening. Friday and Saturday’s tours will include herd visits , local attractions in Western Southland, the South Coast and the Catlins Coast, before a visit to Glen Islay Station for a BBQ dinner. Sunday morning allows for free time before departing by bus to travel north through Central Southland to beautiful Lake Wakatipu and our Southern Lakes district. We will arrive in Queenstown by mid afternoon and check-in to our hotels , then enjoying a relaxing evening taking in the lake and mountain views. Monday morning starts with our Conference meeting held at the Copthorne Hotel, followed by a buffet lunch. The afternoon is free to enjoy the attractions of Queenstown, gondola, kiwi and bird park, walk in the gardens, or explore the shops. Assemble at the Steamer Wharf at 4.30pm to board the TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamer for a trip across the lake to Walter Peak Station, farm demonstrations and an amazing BBQ dinner, returning by 9pm. Tuesday is the final day of the congress with 2 options, a farm tour of Historic Royalburn Station above Arrowtown, followed by lunch in Arrowtown and wine tasting at a Gibbston Valley winery, OR a trip via the Kawarau Gorge and Lake Dunstan to Central Otago for a herd visit in the Alexandra Basin, followed by lunch and wine tasting at a local winery. We all return to Queenstown in the late afternoon, and meet in the evening for a final gathering at our Farewell Dinner with a Kiwi Quiz and entertainment.

Notice is hereby given that the Hybrid Annual General Meeting of the
Society will be held in the Kings Arms Hotel, Castle Douglas, on  24th May, 2024 
commencing at 1.30pm.

Please email the office for zoom link.

Download full notice and agenda below.

Welcome to our 2024 Spring Newsletter.

Please download below.

Exciting news! Galloways take the spotlight at this year’s Ballymoney Show on Saturday, June 1st.

With an increased prize fund for the Galloway section, there’s even more reason to showcase your Galloway cattle.

Here are the details:

Class Prizes:
1st Place: £30
2nd Place: £20
3rd Place: £15
Champion: £100
Reserve Champion: £50

In addition to these prizes, there’s support from the Galloway Cattle Society’s show grant fund, offering £50 per Galloway forward. It’s an excellent opportunity to promote your Galloways and compete for top honours.

Entries close on May 18th, so be sure to submit yours in time.

The judging will be presided over by Mr. Scott McKinnon, adding to the prestige of the event.

For more information, show schedule and entry forms:

https://showingscene.com/events/ballymoney-show-2024-may-2024

Judges 

• Bulls  - Mr Scott McKinnon, Dumfries.  
• Females – Mr Andrew Waugh, Kilnstown Farm, Bewcastle, Carlisle      
• Shadow Judge: Mr Logan Murdoch Ross, Stirling   

The next generation of Galloway breeders put on a strong showing at the Galloway Cattle Society’s spring sale, held at Wallet’s Mart, Castle Douglas. Purchasers were selective, resulting in strong prices for sought after cattle, with 6 animals over 5 figures and averages increased on the year for bulls and heifers in calf.

Five Bulls Hit Five Figures
Three bulls sold to 13000gns. Barquhill Thor from the McCornick Family, Barquhill, Wigtown, Newton Stewart, Glenrath Rocky from new member Glenrath Farms, Langhaugh, Kirkton Manor, Peebles and Alcaraz of Fingland from Dalry based, Jimmy Wallace. 

Barquhill Thor, who stood second in his class the previous day, is the first son of Bonanza of Nether Cleugh to be sold - a bull bought privately from Society’s Chairman Peter Hunter Blair. This 29 month old is out of Barquhill Polly - a homebred bull out of a Barquhill Coca Cola daughter. He sold to Eskdalemuir Forestry Ltd,  Hart Manor, Langholm for their 100 cow herd. Eskdalemuir Forestry Ltd enjoyed success in the show ring, receiving reserve overall male champion with Clerkhill Samson. This March 2022 born, Outlook of Trolosse son and out of Clerkhill Jura was unsold. 

Glenrath Rocky is a March 2022 born Troloss Nimrod son, who was purchased with his dam Diamond 1st of Troloss, a Blackcraig Dec daughter from Joe Cockburn, stockman at Grimmet. This 2nd placed bull made the short journey to Dalry, heading home with Jimmy Wallace, Fingland. Jimmy then balanced the books by selling Alcarax of Fingland, a Kirkstead Vindicator son and out of Urma 12th of Fingland, a Ulysses of Over Barskeoch daughter. This 22-month-old sold to Exmoor Forest Farms, Cornham Farm, Minehead, Somerset.

The Male Champion, Kirkstead Gattuso from Alan McClymont and sons, Sam and Oliver, Kirkstead, Yarrow, Selkirk received the next top price of 12,000gns. This Kirkstead Commander son and out of Kirkstead Nancy R3, a Kirkstead Vindicator daughter sold to Society’s vice chairman, Robert McTurk, Barlaes, Dalry, Castle Douglas.    

The Next Generation Shines 
Young breeder, James Campbell, Kypehill, Strathaven, had his best sale to date, realising 10000gns for his 22 month old bull Kypehill Dutton, who is a Troloss Impeccable son and out of Foxglove Zap of Nether Cleugh who was purchased in 2020 for 1550gns. Dutton who was successfully shown in 2023, receiving 1st place at all three shows, was another purchase for Robert McTurk, Barlaes. 

Speaking after the sale, James Campbell said: 
“I’m on cloud nine. This is my second time in Castle Douglas and the third bull I’ve gone out with. Sales have gone from strength to strength and I’m absolutely thrilled to have hit 10000gns.

“Galloways really suit my farm. I bought my first Galloway cows in 2020 because I needed a compact beast that wasn’t going to burn up feed and straw. Galloways deliver exactly what I need. I might be the youngest breeder here, but I’ve been welcomed in and I honestly haven’t had a disappointing day yet.”

Celebrating the potential of the next generation was evident throughout the show and sale, with the Society appointing its first ever Shadow Judge - Logan Ross.

Logan, who works for the Dick family at Mains of Throsk, is an active member of SSS Young Farmers with a deep-seated passion for Galloways, cultivated through his experiences at Romesbeoch and Greenhead Farm. Commenting on his judging experience, Logan said: 
“It was very interesting and it was reassuring that I agreed a lot with both of the more experienced judges and that I shared their eye. Having the opportunity to be shadow judge has given me confidence if I’m ever asked to judge a show or sale again.”

Heifers 
Top female price and female champion Blackcraig Blondchen D1308 from John, Ann and Iain Finlay, Blackcraig, Corsock sold for 10000gns. This Barlaes Rivellino daughter and out of Blackcraig Blondchen V485 a Blackcraig Sam daughter was purchased by Willie Maclean, Oban.

Blackcraig then sold two heifers for 3800gns and 2500gns - Blackcraig Noreen D1321, this 29 month old, Nucamp of Balgray daughter sold to the 3Gs, John and James Graham, Stirling and Dennis Gall, Lockerbie. Blackcraig Rose D1299, this Barlaes Rivellino and out of Rose 29th of Auchenhay a Blackcraig Jury daughter sold to David and Lynn Watret, Muirfield, Hightae, Lockerbie.   

Next top price was 4000gns which was achieved for the reserve champion Diamond Q019 of Trolosse exhibited by Glenrath Farms Ltd and bred by Joe Cockburn. This April 2021 born Troloss Nimrod daughter and out of Diamond 1st of Troloss sold to Society Junior Vice Chair Carolyn Logan and husband Dexter, Greenhead, Alva, Stirling.  This stylish heifer is destined for the summer show circuit, she sold in calf to Trolosse Olympian.

Commenting on the sale, Galloway Cattle Society Chairman, Mr Peter Hunter Blair said: 
“Confidence in the breed was highlighted by breeders being prepared to pay good prices throughout the sale.”     

Breed Secretary Dorothy Goldie added: 
“It was a steady sale with a lot of interest in the sought after cattle, but the impact of the current export restrictions is clearly being felt. The Galloway spring show and sale normally attracts regular buyers from Ireland and Germany. While the interest from these breeders is still there, it’s frustrating that we can’t convert that interest to sales this year. That the sales and clearance was strong despite the export restrictions is a testament to steadily growing interest in the Galloway breed, and it’s fantastic to see the next generation of Galloway breeders doing so well.” 

24 bulls sold,  average £5508.13  (+£269.83) for 3 less sold on year  77% Clearance
11 Bulling heifers  average £1765.91 (-£323.59)
11 Heifers ran with bull average £3455.45 (+£1250.45)
22 females sold  - 73% clearance

Show sponsored by Davidson Animal Feeds, Nith Valley Construction Ltd. and MacMin Ltd.