The award will be presented to an active young Texel breeder, their local Club believes has made an outstanding contribution to the breed, their club or flock within their local area or nationally.
The Spotlight award, has been initiated to recognise some of the unsung heroes within the breed who work to support their local Texel Club and raise the profile of the breed in the process.
This award is presented to an active young Texel breeder, their local Club believes has made an outstanding contribution to the breed, their club or flock within their local area or nationally.
All 18 regional Texel clubs alongside the YDP Committee are invited annually to nominate an individual who must be under the age of 35, a full member of the Society or actively involved with a full member’s flock, that they believe goes above and beyond for the breed.
The 2026 Spotlight Award Winner
Katie Aiken, Coniston Flock
Katie has been involved with Texels her entire life. Despite being the youngest nominee this year, her knowledge, experience, and passion for the breed, Society, and local clubs are exceptional. Growing up with her parents, and her grandparents, on both sides breeding Texels – Katie was immersed in the breed from an early age.
Her achievements include winning the Overall Young Handlers Trophy at the Royal Highland Show, and working alongside her family showing Procters Cinderella to Overall Interbreed Championship success at the Royal Welsh Show, and presenting a pen of ram lambs at the Scottish National Sale, where El Presidente topped at 80,000gns.
While winning awards is a highlight, Katie values her resilience and determination in continuing to do what she loves, particularly through challenging years, and takes pride in achieving great things with the support of her family.
A familiar face at Society events and activities, Katie has high aspirations for both her future and that of the Coniston flock—a truly outstanding young Texel breeder.
Other nominees for the award were:
Robert Harvie
Scottish Texel Breeders Club
Robert established the Sadlerhead flock in 2017 at the age of 22, beginning with just three ewes purchased from Millars, Craighead, and Brackenridge. A standout moment in his breeding career came in 2022 with the sale of Sadlerhead Fury to Gordon Gray of the Ettrick flock. Fury has since gone on to sire over 500 progeny in well recognised flocks with Ettrick Grey Goose selling for 42,000gns. That same year, he also sold Sadlerhead Frank the Tank at the Scottish Club Sale for £4,000gns.
Proud of having built his flock from scratch, Robert thrives on the excitement of sales and the camaraderie that comes with being part of the Texel community. Robert is a committed member of the Scottish Texel Breeders Club, having held every major role and currently serving as Treasurer and Assistant Secretary. He is particularly focused on encouraging young breeders to engage with the breed, highlighting the social side of the Club as a valuable way to gain advice and build connections.
Alongside his Texels, Robert manages 200 commercial ewes and 100 suckler cows, while maintaining a full-time job in fertiliser sales and raising a young family, his daughter Isla was born earlier this year.
Cai Davies
Dyfed Texel Breeders Club
Cai has been involved with Texel sheep for his entire life, with his first Texel trip being to the old Lanark Market as a toddler for the Select Seven In Lamb Sale. The Teilo flock was established by his father, John, in 2004, building on the family’s Texel heritage which began with his grandparents John and Gloria’s Aman flock in 1988.
An active supporter of the Dyfed Texel Breeders Club, Cai played a key role in re-establishing the Club’s Annual Summer Show and continues to support its online show by collecting footage and managing digital content. Passionate about the Club’s activities, he is eager to help drive engagement and participation in the future.
Cai’s standout achievement came this year when Teilo Iasu Mowredd won the overall championship at the NSA Main Builth Ram Sale and was subsequently sold for a centre record price of 20,000gns. Other highlights include judging the Scottish Texel Breeders Club Flock Competition alongside his father, and winning the RWAS Stockjudging Competition in 2024, scoring an impressive 197/200 and presenting his reasons to all competitors.
Obsessed with all aspects of Texels, Cai is equally excited for the next generation, hoping that his daughter Alaw will share the same passion.
John Dunlop
Scotland YDP
James’s love for Texels started at an early age, working alongside his grandfather John, who founded the Eastfield flock in 1976. Growing up around Texels, James developed a deep understanding and passion for the breed that has stayed with him throughout his life.
Recently appointed Chairman of the Scottish Texel Breeders Club, James is committed to keeping the Club inclusive, promoting the breed, and supporting young breeders, with plans underway for another successful YDP Day this summer.
James’ greatest achievement lies in developing a highly productive and efficient flock, breeding his ewes naturally to maximise performance and longevity, even while balancing the demands of working as a contract shepherd in the challenging Lanarkshire conditions. A memorable highlight from his youth came in 2006 when he was given a day off school to attend the Scottish National Sale, where Eastfield Merlin sold for 14,000gns.
James values the time spent working with the flock alongside his wife, Shona, and passing on his passion for Texels to their two children, the next generation of the Eastfield flock.
Henry Summerhayes
South West Texel Breeders Club
Henry has been immersed in Texel sheep for as long as he can remember, growing up with the renowned Peacehay flock. In 2018, Henry went on to establish his own Holywell flock, allowing him to develop a separate focus with the aim of producing high-quality ram lambs. He is now pleased with the progress and performance of the stock and is keen to continue driving the flock forward.
A committed supporter of the breed, Henry currently serves as Vice Chairman of the South West Texel Breeders Club and has been actively involved in Club sales, as well as the Progeny Show.
Among his standout achievements are the sale of Peacehay Ya Belter for 23,000gns at the English National Sale in 2017, and more recently, securing the English National Championship in 2025 with Peacehay Gangnam Style. A true Texel enthusiast, Henry has a deep passion for studying bloodlines, analysing sale reports and planning future breeding programmes across both flocks.
Does your club have a young breeder who deserves the award?
Does a member of your club committee qualify, who is dedicated to their role? Is there an individual who is committed to the Club’s Show and Sales? Has a breeder excelled with their stock, raising the profile of the breed across the country and in your local area? Then nominate them for 2023!