There were four foundation herds of Belted Galloway cows. The Boreland herd of Mr. Sproat, near Kirkcudbright; the Lullenden herd of Sir Ian Hamilton; the Mark herd of Mr. Graham which moved to Auchengassel in 1900 and the Mochrum herd then owned by the Marquis of Bute.

No one alive can fully recount the story of the foundation stock at Mochrum. The herd predates the Belted Galloway Herd Book, but it is reckoned that it was established between 1890 and the early 1900s. The earliest records don’t record details of stock other than whether it was a heifer or a bull. However, we do know some of the earliest cattle came from the late George Sproat, from the Boreland herd.

Miss Flora Stuart, who was famous world wide, not only as President of the Belted Cattle Society, but custodian of the breed in the UK. One of Scotland’s true cattle enthusiasts, Flora prided herself on the quality of her stock, building up one of the worlds finest Belted Galloway cattle herds.

At present there are approximately 75 pure Belted Galloway cows, 20 bulling heifers and 15 yearlings, but it is the intention to increase the herd, focusing on quality not just quantity.

Offspring are predominantly sold for breeding, the very best bulls are brought out for pedigree breeding, however a number of young bulls are sold to the dairy industry. A few select heifers are sold at the National Sale in Castle Douglas, selling to 3200gns for Mochrum Caroline. In the future it is hoped to sell stock further afield at Carlisle and Worcester.

Mochrum Belted Galloways have always featured strongly in both National and local agricultural shows and are renowned for their show temperament.