Purchased from The Applecross Trust, Ila Dhearg impressed throughout the show, winning Best Heifer Calf in her class before being named Champion Heifer Calf at Oban.

A stylish young female, Ila Dhearg's combination of breed character, pedigree and future breeding potential made her a natural fit for the Blasta Mhor’s genetics program with intent to bring those genetics into Australia.

“We were looking for a female capable of strengthening the breeding program for years to come, and Ila Dhearg stood out from the moment she entered the ring,” said Director, Paul Reese.

“Her breed character and structure were impressive, but equally important was the strength and consistency of her maternal family. That combination made her a compelling addition to the fold.”

Beyond her championship success, Ila Dhearg comes from a proven maternal line. Her dam, Ila 7th of Applecross, previously produced Ila Dhubh 2nd of Applecross, sold for 6,700gns in 2021, and Ila 10th of Applecross, sold for 9,000gns in 2022 and a heifer calf record at that year's sale. Ila 7th has ten recorded progeny between 2016 and 2026 and was 13 when she produced Ila Dhearg. The family's consistency was an important factor in Blasta Mhor's selection. Ila Dhearg’s sire, Uisage Beatha of Romesdal, came from the Romesdal fold on the Isle of Skye – a renowned female line which can be traced back to Cnoc Ard, Breachacha, Ardbhan and Balmoral folds.

A STRONG SHOWING FOR BLASTA MHOR

Representing the fold were Paul Reese and Angus MacGillivray, Blasta Mhor's Scottish Breeding Advisor.

In the show ring, Bramble of Somerled delivered a strong result, placing second in Class 5 - Yearling Heifer. Led by Lincoln Butler, who is currently on exchange with Blasta Mhor UK from Australia, Bramble delivered a strong performance in a competitive class.

Sired by Lachlan of Callachally, the first bull purchased for the Blasta Mhor breeding program, and out of Roxanne 4th of Goldenberry, Bramble combines proven bloodlines with excellent breed character. Her maternal pedigree traces back through the renowned Goldenberry herd to the Lady White families of Balmoral and, originally, Ulva.

Following her success in the show ring, Bramble was offered for sale the following day and was sold for 2,500gns.

Lincoln also enjoyed personal success, placing second in the Young Handlers Competition (16-26 years) – a strong result in a competitive field.

LOOKING AHEAD

The 129th Autumn Show and Sale provided another valuable opportunity to assess leading Highland cattle genetics and connect with breeders from across the UK.

With a champion female now joining the Scottish fold and strong results in the show ring, the focus turns to developing these bloodlines and continuing to strengthen Blasta Mhor's breeding program across Scotland and Australia.

Congratulations to all exhibitors and to the Highland Cattle Society for another successful Oban show and sale.

Pictured:

1. Lincoln Butler showing Bramble of Somerled

2. Blasta Mhor pen at Oban

3. Angus MacGillivray, Lincoln Butler and Paul Reese standing with Ila Dhearg 3rd of Applecross

4. Lincoln Butler and Bramble of Somerled

5. Paul Reese and Bramble of Somerled

6. Angus MacGillivray, Bramble of Somerled and Lincoln Butler