2012-06-11
Scotsheep 2012 was held at the Morrisons Farm on the Dumfries House Estate, on 6th June, by kind permission of Morrisons, and was an outstanding success despite the rain which fell for much of the day.
HRH Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay
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The event was opened by HRH Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, who paid tribute to the resilience of sheep farmers who have endured some difficult years. ‘You are a remarkable breed and I can only salute you on this great occasion,’ he said.
The Duke presented the NSA Scotland Silver Salver to RHET stalwart, Jimmy Warnock, Sandilands, Lanark for his services to the Scottish sheep industry. Rendered speechless, possibly for the first time ever, Jimmy is a popular and deserving recipient of the award.
The Duke then toured the event, escorted by NSA Scotland chairman Jimmy Sinclair, visiting NSA Scotland, QMS Scottish Sheep Strategy, the Wool centre and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, and calling in at the North Country Cheviots, Scotch Mules and Blackfaces en route.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
Richard Lochhead & Adam Henson
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Elsewhere, Cab Sec Richard Lochhead was kept busy, firstly on the panel at the seminar on CAP reform, then on to The Morrison’s stand and ‘Ready, Steady, Cook!’ where he pitted his culinary skills against those of BBC ‘Countryfile’ presenter Adam Henson. The result was a diplomatic draw!
MEP Alyn Smith took part in a seminar on reducing bureaucracy which is a hot topic among sheep farmers. Fellow panel member Brian Pack has been tasked with finding ways of cutting red tape and we await the outcome with great interest.
The Duke presented the NSA Scotland Silver Salver to RHET stalwart, Jimmy Warnock, Sandilands, Lanark
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The breed societies are to be congratulated for displays of sheep in tremendous fettle despite the horrendous weather of recent months. Down in the field, the bewildering array of sheep equipment on offer kept the trade stand busy for most of the day.
NSA Scotland is indebted to our hosts, Morrisons, for allowing us the use of an excellent venue; to the sponsors of Scotsheep for their generous support; to the Scotsheep committee and chairman Neale McQuistin, for the time, energy, ideas and labour which made a superb event run like clockwork; to Morrisons farm staff who could not do enough for us; and to everyone who turned out in the rain to support the event and make it a record attendance.
Scotsheep 2012 from the air
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