Aberdeen & Northern Marts is pleased to announce NorthLink Ferries as the new main event sponsor for this year’s Scotland’s premier farming winter event - the Aberdeen Christmas Classic.
The traditional two-day Christmas show, organised by Aberdeen & Northern Marts, a division of the ANM Group - in conjunction with the Aberdeen Fatstock Association - is celebrating its 24th year and will showcase the leading prime cattle and sheep from across Scotland as well other shows and sales. The event takes place on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 November 2016 at ANM Group’s agri-hub at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, and will also feature shows and sales of female pedigree sheep; pedigree beef bulls; and the ‘Rising Stars Exhibition Calf Show’.
John Gregor, executive director of ANM Group, 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.”
Stuart Garrett, managing director of NorthLink Ferries, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the success we have had over the years with the partnership between Aberdeen & Northern Marts and NorthLink Ferries.
“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.”
Last year’s Christmas Classic was a huge success with an array of quality livestock on show. The haltered beef cattle overall champion title went to Wilson Peters, Cuilt Farmhouse, Monzie, Crieff, and sold for £3,000. The top price was achieved by Blair Duffton & Rebecca Stuart, 2 Bogie Street, Huntly, and their Limousin cross heifer ‘Saucy Flossy’ which won the Butchers’ Championship and sold for £3,500.
In the quality prime lambs section, the Beltex breed dominated the show, with Mr Callum Angus, West Mey, Thurso, getting a triple championship by winning the open champion pens of lambs, and best presented pen of lambs titles, including a special prize for the best pen of lambs for his Beltex sired lambs. These sold for the top price of £280 per head.
The Rising Stars calf show, launched at the 2014 Christmas Classic, is returning for its third year giving farmers the chance to exhibit the best of their young cattle (born after 1 March 2015 and halter-led) as a taster for the show season ahead in the coming year. Last year, British Blue cross heifer ‘Pic N Mix’ from Jack Hendry, Heads of Auchinderran, Aultmore, Keith, claimed the overall champion title.
Once again, the event organisers are offering free entry for both days allowing everyone the chance to see the impressive display of livestock throughout the classes, visit a variety of trade stands and the opportunity to see Thainstone Centre in full swing.