The 25th anniversary Aberdeen-Angus Youth Development Programme (YDP) Finals took place on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th October, hosted by Hamish and Margaret Sclater and family at the renowned Deveron Herd, Turriff, Aberdeenshire.
Friday – Welcome Evening
Finalists arrived throughout Friday to the Crowne Plaza Aberdeen, where they enjoyed a warm welcome buffet followed by team-building and introductory games led by the World Angus Forum team. The team then gave an engaging presentation on their time at the Forum earlier this year, before being presented with a small token of appreciation in recognition of their achievements and the hard work they have put in over the past 18 months.
Saturday – Competition Day at Deveron
Saturday morning began with a short journey to Deveron, where the Sclater family had gone above and beyond to provide an outstanding setting for the finals. Over 40 spring-born calves had been expertly trained for the event, and the facilities offered the perfect environment for all 32 finalists to compete across the various sections:
- Clipping
- Grooming
- Ringcraft
- Stock Judging
- Panel Interviews and Presentations
Judging was carried out by some of the top names in the Aberdeen-Angus world:
- Clipping – Bernard Kerins
- Grooming – James Rea
- Ringcraft – Andy Frazier
- Stock Judging – William McLaren
- Panel – Angela Macgregor, Daniel Whiteford, and Ian Watson
The standard across all sections was exceptionally high, with every finalist demonstrating impressive skill, dedication, and enthusiasm throughout the day.
Presentation Dinner
After a busy and rewarding day, finalists and guests returned to the hotel for the evening presentation dinner, hosted by Niall Lynch, YDP Coordinator for Ireland. Niall was joined by Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society President Alan Morrison and YDP Chairman Ewen Campbell, who welcomed everyone and thanked them for their efforts in making the weekend such a success.
The evening also saw a special appearance from John and Marion Tilson of the famous Wedderlie Herd, who presented the prizes. As founding members of the YDP 25 years ago, it was particularly fitting for them to be part of this milestone celebration.
Before announcing the winners, heartfelt thanks were extended to:
- The Sclater family and their team for their exceptional preparation and hospitality.
- All of the judges for their time and expertise.
- The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society and the Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association for their continued support of the finals and workshops.
- The entire YDP team – Graeme Rhind, Ellie Westaway, John Smyth, Jess Musk, Niall Lynch, Felicity Hunter, Seonaid McLaren, Ewen Campbell and Stephanie Dick – for their hard work and commitment throughout the year.
- Our main sponsor, Showtime Show Supplies, for their generous support.
A special mention also goes to Andy Frazier, who kindly donated proceeds from his recent book to support the Youth Development Programme — a contribution that helps ensure continued opportunities for the next generation.
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists on a fantastic YDP Finals 2025, and thank you to everyone who helped make this special 25th anniversary event such a memorable celebration of youth and excellence in the Aberdeen-Angus breed.
Results
Clipping
Junior
1st – Cameron Barclay
2nd – Adam Kearney
3rd – Sophie Tunney
Intermediate
1st – Finlay Hunter
2nd – Grant Rhind
3rd – Cliodhna Smith
Senior
1st – James Morrison
2nd – Sam Dudley
3rd – Matthew Cochrane
Grooming
Junior
1st – Cameron Barclay
2nd – Adam Kearney
3rd – Sophie Tunney
Intermediate
1st – Finlay Hunter
2nd – Cliodhna Smith
3rd – Grant Rhind
Senior
1st – James Morrison
2nd – Matthew Cochrane
3rd – Ruby Simpson
Ringcraft
Junior
1st – Adam Kearney
2nd – Liam Farrell
3rd – Henry Williamson
Intermediate
1st – Thomas Goldie
2nd – Cliodhna Smith
3rd – Finlay Hunter
Senior
1st – Eva Jackson
2nd – James Morrison
3rd – Matthew Cochrane
Stock Judging
Junior
1st – Max Harrod
2nd – Sam Ferguson
3rd – Cameron Barclay
Intermediate
1st – Gregor Milne
2nd – Thomas Goldie
3rd – Cliodhna Smith
Senior
1st – Andrew Reid
2nd – Ruby Simpson
3rd – Eva Jackson
Panel Interview (Seniors)
1st – James Morrison
2nd – Lizzie Harding
3rd – Sam Dudley
Panel Presentation (Intermediates)
1st – Cliodhna Smith
2nd – Grant Rhind
3rd – Aine Heffernan
Lloyd Shield for Best Display of Clipping
James Morrison
Overall Champions
Junior
1st – Adam Kearney
2nd – Cameron Barclay
3rd – Liam Farrell
Intermediate
1st – Cliodhna Smith
2nd – Finlay Hunter
3rd – Grant Rhind
Senior
1st – James Morrison
2nd – Matthew Cochrane
3rd – Ruby Simpson
