The 2025 ABP Winter Fair, held at the Bridge of Allan site on 8 November, saw increased entries from 2024 and reaffirmed its place as a leading celebration and showcase of Scotland’s red meat industry. Organised by ABP, alongside the Scottish National Fatstock Club and sponsored by Marks & Spencer, the event is now in its 32nd year.
In total, 159 cattle, 30 young livestock producer cattle, 176 sheep and 9 young livestock producer sheep were entered for live judging by Robin Ferguson and John Barclay at Lanark Auction Mart, with carcase judging later in the week by Dan Gilmour, Andrea Fusetti (for the Italian market class) and Ryan Briggs at ABP’s Bridge of Allan facility.
Over 300 guests, including farmers, Scottish Government officials, M&S, QMS, advisors and auction mart representatives, attended the prizegiving and celebratory lunch – fittingly, a meal of Prime Scotch Beef Sirloin and Roast Leg of Lamb.
Commenting on the event, Alistair Lyle, ABP’s UK Primary Operations Director, said: “The ABP Winter Fair is a true celebration of Scotland’s red meat sector. Demand for Scottish beef and lamb remains strong both at home and in key export markets, as consumers continue to choose Scotch for its quality and provenance. That reputation for excellence is creating real opportunities for growth.”
He added: “ABP’s commitment to Scottish farming remains steadfast. We employ more than 1,200 people across three sites and work with over 2,000 farmer suppliers. At Bridge of Allan, we continue to invest in upgrading facilities and infrastructure to secure the site’s long-term future. Our success depends on strong supply chain partnerships, and I want to thank M&S for their continued support of Scottish farmers and of the wider UK red meat industry.”
Commenting on the event, Steve McLean, M&S’s Head of Technical, said: “Marks & Spencer has proudly supported the Winter Fair for 32 years, and every year it showcases the skill, care and pride that define Scotland’s red meat industry. The quality of stock on display this year was exceptional, which is a testament to the hard work of producers across the country.
He added: “The way people work together in this industry has really helped put Scottish red meat on the map, and it remains at the heart of M&S’s sourcing and procurement policies. We couldn’t maintain our support for Scottish farmers without the strong relationships that have been built, especially with ABP, whose commitment to the sector has made a real difference.
The full list of results is below:
CATTLE
Live champion – H Brown, Auchmaliddie Mains
Live reserve – T and A Taylor, Heatheryhall
Champion carcase – Smart and Wilson, South Camaloun
Reserve carcase – Smart and Wilson, South Camaloun
A-A carcase – Smart and Wilson, South Camaloun
Breeder of the champion carcase – Derek Keillor, Cowford
Pure A-A carcase – John Emslie, Little Barras
Premio Speciale Italiano – Eric Buchan, Glenisla
Prime cow carcase – A and E Cumming, Tillydesk
Most points live/dead – T and A Taylor, Heatheryhall
Reserve points – Ross Brothers, Wardhead
YLP Junior live champion – Maise Taylor, Heatheryhall
YLP Senior live champion – Stuart Ross, Wardhead
YLP Senior – Selina Gordon, Clochnahill
YLP Junior – Abbie Brown, Auchmaliddie Mains
SHEEP
Champion live lamb – R Hall and son, Inglewood Edge
Reserve live lamb – A Morton, Lochend
Champion Blackface – Firm of Shawhead
Champion Cheviot – Alexander D Miller, Bridgehouse
NCCSS Trophy – Alexander D Miller, Bridgehouse
Champion Native – Andrew Purdon and Partners, Stravenhouse
Champion export lamb – John Guthrie, Cuiltburn Farm
Best carcase sired by a Beltex – James R Hunter, Luckehnburn
Champion lamb carcase – James R Hunter, Luckehnburn
Reserve champion lamb carcase – Andrew Dunlop, Corstane
YLP Junior live – Ross Campbell
YLP Senior – Bryn Henderson, Ballingall Mill
YLP Junior – Struan Whyte, Lintibert