NCC - Open Day 2026

North Country Cheviot Sheep Society Open Day 2026

Following the success of our last Open Day in 2024, the Society, alongside the Graham family, is delighted to warmly invite you to join us on Friday 7th August 2026 at Carruthers Farm, Waterbeck, Lockerbie, for the opportunity to view their outstanding flocks of both Park and Hill type North Country Cheviots.

The Graham family has been farming at Waterbeck for many years and has successfully run a registered flock of Park type North Country Cheviots since 1965. The Carruthers prefix has become synonymous with the breed and is well respected throughout the industry.

More recently, in 2019, they established a registered flock of Hill North Country Cheviots, which has already made a strong impression through the quality of rams sold.

Innes and his son, Gordon, now run almost 900 North Country Cheviots across the two flocks on approximately 900 acres. Rising to around 1100 feet above sea level and exposed to the wet weather rolling in from the Solway Firth, farming at Waterbeck can be challenging. However, the North Country Cheviot has proved to be the ideal breed thanks to its hardiness, ease of management and versatility.

Innes particularly enjoys working with the Park sheep, describing them as exceptionally milky ewes that cross well to produce high-quality finishing lambs.

Gordon explains that the Hill ewes are lambed entirely outdoors at around 800 feet on an exposed part of the farm. Despite the challenging conditions, the ewes instinctively seek out whatever shelter they can find at lambing, ensuring their lambs are protected from the elements and able to get up and suck quickly.

Alongside the sheep enterprise, the family also runs a herd of Aberdeen Angus Cross cattle, with all calves born February/March and sold privately at the end of the year.

On the day, visitors will have the opportunity to:

• Tour both the Park and Hill North Country Cheviot flocks.
• Take part in a stock judging competition.
• View a selection of Pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle, kindly supplied by Donald Graham.
• Enjoy refreshments from the catering facilities and licensed bar.
• Selection of Trade Stands

Gates open at 10.30am, with the first farm tours beginning at 11am.

Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to seeing members, breeders and anyone with an interest in North Country Cheviot sheep for what promises to be an enjoyable and informative day.