The Society once again sponsored the NSA Next Generation Young Shepherd competition at NSA Highland Sheep.
The competition, which took place on the afternoon before the main event, saw competitors challenged on a number of shepherding tasks, including ATV handling and working a sheepdog.
The NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year championship went to 18 year old Keira Smith from Netherton, Whitehouse, Alford, who walking away with £550 of prize money and a trophy.
Kiera will now represent NSA Scotland at the UK finals to be held at NSA Sheep Event 2026 at Malvern on 28th July 2026, along with the winner of the competition at NSA Scotsheep 2026.
Second place went to Niamh Milton, Aberdeenshire, with third taken by Anna McTaggart, Sutherland.
In the sheepdog element of the competition the winner was Lynn Robinson, Inverness-shire, with overall winner Keira Smith second and Anna McTaggart in third.
Society YDP coordinator Ailish Ross said the Society’s support of NSA Next Generation shepherding competitions was a core part of its encouragement of young people in the sheep industry.
“Keen, highly skilled young people are vital to the future success of the UK sheep industry and the Society is delighted to be able to support NSA in this way.”
Elsewhere at the event, In the show of pairs of ewe hoggs, a pair of Texel crosses from Ballindalloch Home Farm, Banffshire, shown by David and Susan Johnston, took the overall championship. In the sale conducted by Dingwall & Highland Marts, they sold for £320/head to the judge, Ben Reive, Ardross, Ross-shire.