Out & About
Central Scotland Smallholders' Association
Lambing Course at Oatridge College, Saturday 24th January 2009
On Saturday 24th January, a group of CSSA members visited Oatridge College, Ecclesmachan, for a lambing course. We were a diverse bunch with very varying degrees of experience. As is always the case, this presents a challenge for the teacher, but Kim Gilbert, who was in charge for the day, rose to the challenge.
We met for refreshments in the Arran Room, then following introductions, we looked at some of the theory around lambing and preparation of the ewe for lambing. Kim had put together a comprehensive and useful pack of notes for us to use on the day and to take away with us.
As well as input from Kim, there was lots of interesting and useful discussion round the table.
After lunch at the Scottish National Equestrian Centre, we headed up to the lambing sheds. Oatridge College has a flock of Poll Dorsets lambing in January, so we were able to see "live" how things are done there. Unfortunately, there were no ewes lambing while we were there but we did get the opportunity to tail and tag some very young lambs. The College does not castrate male lambs in this flock as they are slaughtered before reaching sexual maturity.
Everyone enjoyed the experience and took away some new knowledge and a bit more confidence to help with the lambing season to come.
Event reports
- Henderson-Hill Border Collies, July 2009
- Doune & Dunblane Show, July 2009
- Central & West Fife Show, June 2009
- Grassland Management, June 2009
- Smallholder & Garden Festival, May 2009
- Sheardrum, April 2009
- Lambing Course, January 2009
- Hillfoots Organics, October 2008
- Mid Torrie, March 2008
Membership form
You can download a membership form below, in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. If you'd prefer to be sent a form please contact the membership secretary with your name and address.