Andrew Campbell receives the anniversary championship trophy presented by Ewan Mackenzie (right) and the anniversary quaich presented by Peter Oag
One of Scotland’s leading farming, food and finance businesses – has concluded its fundraising campaign to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Caithness Livestock Centre, with an anniversary show and sale of store cattle.
Taking place on Monday (September 4), the special show and sale raised almost £10,000, by auctioning four lots of store cattle donated by families in the local area.
Centre manager, John Bremner, said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and support of the local community in helping us celebrate Quoybrae turning 25 years young. We raised almost £10,000 at Monday’s sale, which really was the icing on the cake after a fantastic few weeks of fundraising for these charities, both of which are very close to my heart.
“In total, we’ve raised a remarkable £32,000 for Diabetes UK and Cancer Research UK, including funds raised from our charity dance on Saturday 26th August and a static cycle at Thainstone Centre on Friday August 18. On behalf of Aberdeen & Northern Marts, I’d like to thank everyone who generously donated, attended our fantastic anniversary dance or supported us through auction and raffle prize donations.
“A special thank you also, to the three families who donated livestock to be sold at our anniversary show and sale, as well as our judge David Brown and sponsors Harbro and W & A Geddes Ltd for your continued support.”
Top price of the day went to a Simmental cross heifer with Limousin cross heifer calf which were donated by John Bremner and family, and sold for £3,400 to A Matheson, Auckengill, Wick.
The show and sale also coincides with an important milestone for John Bremner, as he steps down from his role as centre manager after more than 47 years of service.
He said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Aberdeen & Northern Marts and have full confidence in Stuart Slesser who is taking over the helm as I move on. I wish him all the best for the future and am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me during my time as centre manager.”
The winner of the show and sale was a 20-month-old, 606kg Charolais cross heifer which was donated by Andrew Campbell, Bullenie, Halkirk. Taking the championship, she sold to show judge, David Brown, Burnside of Dipple, Fochabers, for £2,000.
Reserve champion was awarded to W & I Gunn, Murza, Bower, with their 17-month-old, 581kg British Blue cross heifer which also sold to show judge, David Brown, for £1,400.
John Gregor, executive director at ANM Group, added: “Our anniversary show and sale was the ideal way to round off our celebrations for Caithness Livestock Centre. This was a key milestone for Quoybrae and one that deserved special recognition and celebration. We are delighted to have raised such a tremendous amount of money for Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK – two very deserving charities selected by John Bremner.
“John retires this week after more than 47 years with Aberdeen & Northern Marts, which is a truly incredible achievement and one of which he should be very proud. He has played an integral role in the development of Caithness Livestock Centre over the years and I’d like to thank him for his hard work and dedication in making the centre the success it still is today.”