One of British Wool’s key figures has announced his retirement after more than 20 years as a shearing instructor at the organisation.
A former world-renowned Scottish Shearing Champion, Colin MacGregor has not only played a major role in British Wool, but he has also made a key contribution to the progression and standard of shearing across the UK.
Colin sheared his first sheep with hand shears aged 10 at his home in Lochearnhead. He started out as a British Wool shearing instructor before taking up his role as senior instructor.
During his career, he has instructed thousands of shearers across the UK and Europe.
When he started with British Wool as a senior instructor for Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, there was only one course available – the Advanced Shearing Course.
From the outset, Colin’s basic philosophy has always been to set the proper foundation, so every young person wishing to learn to shear gets taught correctly from the word go.
He said: “This is the vital first rung of the ladder of a shearing career, thereafter they can build whatever they wish to achieve on top of this.
“When setting up 20 years ago, we benefitted from European Funding, which enabled us to train and mentor instructors.
The legacy today is a UK-Wide framework of highly skilled shearing instructors, who train and support young shearers at all levels.
Colin has no hesitation in saying that he feels this has been one of his greatest achievements.
“I am most proud of the quality of shearers and the standard of shearing that we have here in the UK today,” he said.
“This is, without a doubt, as a result of the tremendous team of instructors and mentors that we have put together.”
A former high achiever himself, he became Scottish Champion twice in the 1980s, and represented Scotland on the international stage. Over the years he has also taught many shearing stars – including former World Champion Gavin Mutch.
While shearing is at an all-time high, Colin acknowledges there have been major industry changes.
There are fewer sheep than 20 years ago, however, the quality of our sheep is exceptional, and I believe our farmers are producing some of the very best in the world.
“It disappoints me that wool, in general, is undervalued, so the challenge of the future is to get more people to understand and appreciate the versatility of this natural fibre, so it can attract more markets and better returns.
“You can earn a good living out of shearing, and at the moment the opportunities for young shearers are great as there is a shortage of in Australia and New Zealand. So, my advice would be to spread your wings and enjoy the associated travel.”
Underpinned effective wool production
Chief executive of British Wool Joe Farren said it was “impossible” to underestimate Colin’s contribution to the industry.
“For British Wool, Colin has been instrumental in establishing a training programme that underpins shearing and effective wool production,” he said.
Without the courses he has developed, wool production would be uncompetitive, and the wool we receive would be of much poorer quality.
“This is not only true of the UK, but Colin has also influenced shearing across the world; our courses are globally recognised as the benchmark for training wherever wool is sheared.
“The quantity and quality of shearers in the UK is something British Wool is very proud of. The positive progress made during Colin’s 20 years is also demonstrated by the way competitive shearing and wool handling has developed; with UK based competitors achieving global success and recognition.”
Colin said he was looking forward to getting back into farming at home in Lochearnhead, Stirling on a full-time basis again.
