Thousands of people marvelled at some of Scotland’s finest livestock during Moray’s biggest agricultural show this year.
More than 10,500 people turned out across yesterday and Sunday to take in the competitions, displays and parades at the 144th Keith Country Show.
After a day of family-friendly activities on Sunday, farmers took to the ring yesterday for the serious business of determining whose sheep, horses and cattle had been best bred.
Graham McBeath, of Bannockburn, won overall champion in the cattle classes with his limousin heifer.
And Graeme Willox, from Oldmeldrum, won the Scottish Beef Supreme Cattle Championship – a prize totally unique to Keith Show which is open to any beef animal that has won a show championship in Scotland.
Judges were impressed with the Aberdeen Angus cattle he showed.
Auchnagatt sisters Eilidh and Erin Duncan won the overall sheep champion trophy with their charollais breed.
Show secretary Tina Craib said: “There was a great atmosphere across both days, we have had some of the best livestock in Scotland enter our competitions.
“It has been a tremendous show, and we’re thankful to everyone who came out in support of it.”
Five-year-old Samuel Miskelli, from Kildrummie, got off to a winning start at his first Keith event.
The youngster won a first place rosette after showing off his zwartble ram, which he named Pizza because the animal has an unusual fondness for the food.
Samuel attended with his older siblings and mum, Louise.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead praised organisers for maintaining the region’s rich farming heritage.
He said: “The show is hugely important to the town and wider Moray for celebrating our farming and country life.
“It reminds us of the many men and women who have forged Moray’s reputation as a centre of livestock excellence.”
The MSP, who served as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs for nine years before stepping down in May, said the busy show gave him an opportunity to monitor the issues affecting local farmers.
He added: “It was a good chance for me to keep my finger on the pulse in terms of the issues the sector is facing, from the impact of Brexit to current prices.”
