Turriff Show organisers have hailed an increase in entries for sheep for this year’s show.
Show secretary Helen Paterson said more than 900 sheep were entered for judging at the show, which takes place tomorrow and Monday.
She said entries were up by around 100 thanks largely to the show hosting both the Scottish Ryeland National Sheep Show and the Blufeaced Leicester Progeny Sheep Show.
In the cattle section, entry numbers have remained static at around 300 beasts and horse entries are on a par with last year at 700.
Show president Scott McKilligin, who farms at Mahon, near Turriff, said a decision to increase prize money in the cattle section had helped maintain numbers.
“It could cost the show £5,000 extra if every class is full,” said Mr McKilligin.
He said the show had spent a lot of money fixing the grandstand beside the main ring, due to damage caused by vandals.
“It’s getting a facelift. There’s an awful lot of vandalism done and it’s costing the show around £5,000 every year,” said Mr Mckilligin.
Mr McKilligin said around £2,000 had also been invested in new CCTV cameras on the site, which will hopefully tackle the vandalism blight at the show’s buildings.
Mrs Paterson said the main attraction at this year’s show is performances from the Kangaroo Kid quad bike stunt team. There will also be performances from sheepdog and duck display team, Mark Wylie and The Drakes of Hazard, and Sulky Racing.
Judges confirmed for the show include former United Auctions executive chairman David Leggat for the coveted supreme champion of champions title.
The beef groups, pairs and young bull interbreed titles will be decided by Charles Boden of Mellor Hall Farm, near Stockport, Cheshire.
The sheep overall and pairs interbreed contests will be judged by John Forsyth of Lochlands Farm, Maybole, Ayrshire.
Lastly the overall in-hand horse judge is David Goldie, of Culzean Cottage, Garden Street, Dalrymple, Ayr, and the overall ridden is Rebecca Chalmers, Millhorn Farm, Coupar Angus.