SRUC graduate wins Texel Sheep Society prize for sheep research
An SRUC graduate has been recognised for her research into the factors affecting the weight and survivability of hill ewes.
Heather McGee, who graduated with a BSc (Hons) Agriculture at SRUC Barony campus, was presented with the Texel Sheep Society Education Award for the best honours dissertation on a sheep-related topic at SRUC’s recent graduation ceremony.
The award, which is supported by the Texel Sheep Society through its Youth Development Programme, recognises outstanding student research in sheep production. Heather received a trophy, a medal and £250 in recognition of her dissertation.
Her dissertation, 'An investigation into the impact of weight on the survivability of hill ewes compared to in-bye ewes and what factors can impact their weight', explored the relationship between ewe weight and survivability, comparing hill ewes with those kept on in-bye land.
Heather’s interest in the subject began when she was choosing a topic for her honours dissertation and knew she wanted to focus on sheep, particularly hill sheep.
Her lecturer, Heather Kerr, suggested she contact SRUC’s Hill and Mountain Research Farm at Kirkton in Crianlarich, where she was able to develop her research with the support of the team.
Working alongside the research farm, Heather was supervised by Dr Claire Morgan-Davies and completed her dissertation investigating factors that influence ewe weight and how this can affect survivability in different farming systems.
Heather Kerr said: "Heather's passion for sheep and hill farming was clear from the outset, and she approached her dissertation with real enthusiasm and commitment. She worked hard to develop her understanding of the factors affecting ewe weight and survivability, and it was fantastic to see her work recognised with this award. She should be very proud of this achievement and the knowledge and experience she gained throughout the project."
Heather said: “It’s an amazing feeling. It was so nice to be recognised for the passion and hard work I put into my dissertation. I enjoyed every minute of putting it together and gained a huge amount of valuable knowledge from it.”
During her research, Heather also secured an internship at Kirkton focusing on small ruminant technologies.
She added: “The internship helped me to further my knowledge and inspired me to keep researching and teaching the wider community and next generation about farming and the effective and efficient ways that they can adopt to improve their business.”
Texel Sheep Society vice chairman Robert Laird said the Society’s support of the award, through its Youth Development Programme, was a core pillar of its work to help develop the next generation within the sheep industry.
He said: “The future UK sheep industry needs to attract the best talent it can to fulfil with wide range of job roles that exist within it. UK sheep farming offers a range of exciting opportunities and by supporting this award the Society hopes to encourage more young people to consider the sheep industry as a future career path.”
The awards are offered at SRUC in Scotland, Greenmount in Northern Ireland, Aberystwyth University in Wales and Harper Adams University in England, supporting and celebrating the next generation of researchers and professionals in the sheep industry.
The awards have been presented annually since 2013, reflecting the Society’s ongoing commitment to education, research and the development of future talent within the sheep sector.
Heather now plans to combine farming with a career as a primary school teacher, bringing together her passion for agriculture with her interest in education.
Her award highlights the contribution of SRUC students to research into the challenges facing Scotland’s sheep and hill farming sectors, as well as the opportunities for graduates to take their knowledge and skills into a wide range of careers.
Find out more about studying Agriculture at SRUC.
Posted by SRUC on 07/09/2026
