NorthLink Ferries has been confirmed as the main event sponsor for this year’s Aberdeen Christmas Classic.
The two-day event, which is organised by Aberdeen and Northern Marts in conjunction with the Aberdeen Fatstock Association, takes place on November 28-29 at the Thainstone Centre, Inverurie.
Now in its 24th year, the Christmas Classic encompasses a series of shows and sales of prime and pedigree cattle, sheep and pigs along with a popular young farmers’ competition and the Rising Stars Calf Show.
NorthLink Ferries managing director, Stuart Garrett, said the company’s sponsorship of the fixture cemented its link with ANM.
He said: “With more than 137,000 sheep, and 27,000 cattle transported annually between the Northern Isles and Aberdeen, we are pleased to sponsor the 24th Christmas Classic and by doing so continue to support the farming industry by building on our strong history of linking farmers with Thainstone.”
ANM Group executive director, John Gregor, said: “We are proud to host this prestigious agricultural event which regularly attracts the best of livestock from the area. We have a strong relationship with NorthLink Ferries and are pleased to announce the company as this year’s main sponsor. We welcome everyone to attend and look forward to what promises to be a spectacular two-days of shows and sales.”
At last year’s fixture, the top price in the beef section went to a Limousin cross heifer named Saucy Flossy from Blair Duffton and Rebecca Stuart of Huntly and Insch. She sold for £3,500.
The Rising Starts Calf Show, which gives farmers the chance to exhibit the best of their young cattle, was won by a British Blue heifer named Pic N Mix last year. She was put forward by Jack Hendry, of Heads of Auchinderran, Aultmore, Keith.
In the prime lambs section, Callum Angus of West Mey, Thurso took the championship title with a pen of Beltex sired lambs, which sold for the top price of £280 per head.
