This year’s winner of the RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland) Sir William Young Award was presented to William (Bill) P Bruce from Balmyle, Perthshire at the Royal Highland Show.  

Awarded annually, the RHASS Sir William Young Award recognises exceptional contributions to the world of livestock breeding and celebrates the enduring legacy of the late Sir William Young, whose invaluable service to Scottish agriculture continues to inspire the industry. 

Bruce Farms was established in 1898 and in 1950 William Bruce joined the family business.  In the early days he bred Suffolk Sheep and Shorthorn Cattle before introducing his award winning Balmyle Charolais Herd.  

The Balmyle Herd of Beef Shorthorns were dispersed in 1990, with many going on to form the foundation stock for the herds of today. It had been a time of change for native cattle in the UK and the lucrative export trade to the USA and Argentina had ceased with the introduction of the continental cattle now producing larger and faster growing animals.  

Trying to compete for the home commercial market Bill then introduced the French breed the Maine Anjou into his Shorthorn herd, with this successful grading up, many say this was the saving of the breed and numerous Balmyle prefixes can still be found in the Shorthorn herd book.  

Kay Adam, Deputy Chief Steward of Beef Section, presented Bill with his award.  She said, “It is a pleasure to award Bill with the Sir William Young Award.  

“His breeding principles are the foundation for his consistent success He invests in stock bulls with the right traits for his females and uses quality semen when required, carefully planning his future progeny.  Bill is also a highly respected judge and a role model to the next generation of livestock breeder, we are pleased that he is receiving this well-deserved recognition with this award.”  

Jim Warnock, Chairman of RHASS, extended his congratulations to Bill, stating, “Bill’s dedication and commitment to excellence has made him a very worthy recipient of the Sir William Young Award and all at RHASS extend our huge congratulations. 

“He has set a shining example for future breeders.” 

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