Yetholm Border Shepherds’ Show
Welcome to the Yetholm Border Shepherds’ Show, the annual celebration of farming and rural life in our community.
Farming is an essential part of life here in the Scottish Borders, a cherished industry that has been at the heart of our community for generations. It’s the bread and butter for many of us who call this place home.
The Yetholm Border Shepherds’ Show is an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the hard work and dedication that goes into farming and rural life.
It’s an eagerly anticipated annual event which takes places on the first Saturday in October.
The 159th Yetholm Show
Saturday 5th October 2024
The 2024 show was a fantastic day with warm, sunny weather and a record number of visitors. The day kicked off early with the Working Collie Trial and various exhibitors setting up their displays, including sheep, vintage machinery, and lots of other interesting exhibits. Judging started at 10:30 AM with over 1,500 top-notch entries.
As the showground filled up, we enjoyed the Hill Race, the Champion of Champions Stick Competition, and lively entertainment from the Duns Pipe Band. In the afternoon, the Dog Show was followed by a parade of beautifully restored vintage vehicles and the College Valley Hounds.
The day wrapped up with the Presentation of Cups & Trophies and the Grand Prize Draw. Looking ahead, 2025 will be our 160th year, and we're on the lookout for a new Show Secretary for 2026. If you're interested in joining our wonderful team, please get in touch!
History of the show
As far as we know, Yetholm Border Shepherds’ Show was started in the 1840’s. Local shepherds and farmers started the Show to show off their prized stock and to get together for a social occasion. In the early days the sheep recorded at the Show were Cheviots and Leicesters, with Halfbreds being introduced around 1873 and Blackfaces around 1900. Shepherds’ Collie Dogs and Shorthorn Cows were also shown from early on.
However, in the past 30 years farming and rural life has changed dramatically with not nearly as many shepherds and stockmen being employed locally. Consequently, the show has had to adapt by incorporating a broader array of activities while striving to maintain its traditional roots.
