Beinn-Latha-Ur (Ben Lawers) fold

For the last 40 something years, my husband, John and I, have run the Horncarver’s business at Lawers. In 1993 we acquired some land, and established the Beinn-Latha-ur ( Ben Lawers) fold.

The Highlander was our breed of choice, hardy, milky, with good mothering abilities, capable of producing unrivalled beef with economy! Graze and Flavour!

We caught the showing bug after visiting Drymen show one year, we admired the champion. We came home and admired our 3 year old heifer even more!!! And so it began!

The best animal we have shown was Eoin Mhor of Beinn-latha-ur, an A.I. Son of Jock of Cullerne. The original Eoin Mhor.

The best animal I have seen was Angus Dubh of Invercassley , a great black bull who strode round the ring, he had meat down to his feet, and knew how to use them! We were lucky enough to use his services via A.I. Once or twice!

Best stockman would be the late Donald MacDiarmid, custodian of the Leys fold! Master of both bucket and brush, inspirational in every way!

The biggest change I have noticed over the years is the increasing popularity of black bulls! A higher percentage than I have seen previously in February were black!

Biggest disappointment was not being champion with our bull Eoin Mhor of Miungairigh, this quickly changed to elation when we discovered he had sold to Michael Poland for his Mottistone fold, where he went on to stamp his mark! Abiding memory would be being champion at Oban with the homebred MacDomhnull of Beinnlatha-ur, an A.I. Son of MacDomhnull of Douneside.. Best advice would be to always be the hardest critic of your own cattle! Most influential people at this time, are Ken and Eva Brown. They hold a lot of genetic aces in their Craigowmill pack, after a lifetime working to conserve, improve and promote the breed! Even in the present economic climate, it was heartening to see three new exhibitors at the East of Scotland Club show! The magical appeal of the breed ensuring it’s presence in the showring for years to come!

Lesley Lacey