Noted Dumfriesshire breeder, James (Jim) Goldie, is the 2025 recipient of the David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award, presented at Borderway Agri Expo on Friday 31st October.
For his outstanding contribution to the British livestock industry for more than six decades, Jim Goldie has been recognised with the David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award. Farming at South Bowerhouses and Townfoot, Jim has dedicated his entire life to breeding and producing top-quality livestock and is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading authorities in pedigree cattle and sheep breeding.
In a fitting link to the award’s namesake, Jim launched his first Limousin production sale at Carlisle in 1979 and personally requested that a young David Thomlinson be given his first job as a pedigree auctioneer. The sale was a resounding success and marked the beginning of David’s distinguished career in auctioneering.
Judged by Scott Donaldson, H&H Group Director, with Harrison & Hetherington’s Pedigree Sales & Business Development Manager, James Little, and Commercial Sales Manager & Sales Team Leader, Grant Anderson; the award was presented by Robin Anderson, Managing Director of Harrison & Hetherington in the main show ring during this year’s Borderway Agri Expo, held in Carlisle on Friday 31 October.
Created by Harrison & Hetherington in 2021, this prestigious accolade celebrates a lifetime of dedication, professionalism, and contribution to the livestock industry, honouring the memory of noted livestock farmer, auctioneer, and ambassador for British agriculture, the late David Thomlinson.
Announcing this year’s recipient, Robin Anderson said, “Jim Goldie represents everything this award stands for passion, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to breeding excellence. His contribution to the pedigree cattle and sheep world is immeasurable, and his influence will continue through the generations he has inspired.”
On receiving the award, Jim said, “this is a total surprise, but I’m absolutely delighted.” The occasion was made even more special as Jim was also celebrating his 86th birthday, making it a double celebration for the much-respected breeder. “This is rather special. David [Thomlinson] and I went back a long long way, we organised sales together, and I promoted him for his first auction sale. So, I’m absolutely delighted.”
Married to Kay, with five grandchildren, Jim now farms in partnership with his sons Hamish and Bruce. An industry pioneer, Jim was among the first to import Charolais cattle into the UK in 1969, followed by Limousin cattle in 1977, and later Bleu du Maine and Rouge sheep. His name is synonymous with success in the show ring, having bred and exhibited champions across multiple breeds. Career highlights include the first Charolais Championship at the Royal Highland Show in 1972, the first continental breed to win the Burke Trophy in 1976, and the first continental sheep to win the Royal Show Interbreed Championship in 1990.
Jim is also a highly respected judge, having officiated at all major pedigree shows across the UK, including all four Royal Shows, Smithfield, and three breeds at the Paris Show. He has served as Chairman of the Bleu du Maine Society, and on the Councils of the Charolais Cattle Society and the Royal Smithfield Club. Goldie livestock have been exported worldwide, helping to strengthen the reputation of British breeding on the global stage.
As a young farmer, Jim represented Scotland in international stock judging competitions across beef, sheep, and dairy. Throughout his career, he has been a strong supporter of the next generation, regularly hosting stock judging events and sharing his knowledge with young breeders.
Despite the devastating loss of all his stock during the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, Jim’s determination and love for livestock drove him to rebuild from scratch. His vision and resilience have enabled his sons to continue the Goldie legacy, developing two thriving farming enterprises. A familiar face at shows and sales, Jim now takes great pride in watching his grandchildren follow in his footsteps, showing livestock and upholding the family’s proud traditions.
In receiving the David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award, Jim adds to an impressive list of accolades, including the Sir William Young Award in 2019 and his induction into the Limousin Hall of Fame in 2022.
Previous Recipients of the David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award:
2024 – Richard Rettie, Falkirk
2023 – George Neill, Thornington Farm, Scottish Borders
2022 – John Hall, Inglewood Edge Farm, Cumbria
2021 – John Gent, Newark