PCHS Member Profile: Hamish & Margaret Sclater, Deveron Aberdeen-Angus
A Lasting Legacy in Aberdeen-Angus Breeding
For Hamish and Margaret Sclater, breeding Aberdeen-Angus cattle has always been about more than producing show winners and pedigree breeding stock. Since establishing the Deveron Herd at Denhead Farms, Dunlugas, near Turriff in 1995, herd health has been the cornerstone of every breeding decision they have made.
As the couple prepare for their retirement and the dispersal of their renowned Deveron Herd at United Auctions, Stirling, on 19 October 2026, they can look back on more than 30 years of dedication to breeding cattle that combine performance, pedigree and proven health credentials. The herd, which has grown to around 130 head, has earned widespread recognition throughout the Aberdeen-Angus breed, while also demonstrating the value of long-term commitment to health accreditation.
The Sclaters have been members of the Premium Cattle Health Scheme (PCHS) since 2008, viewing independent health accreditation as an essential part of responsible pedigree breeding. Their herd achieved accreditation for Johne's disease and BVD in 2011 and subsequently gained IBR accreditation in 2023. This commitment reflects a philosophy that has guided the Deveron Herd from its earliest days – never compromise on health.
"Health has been the major consideration of our breeding policy," explains Hamish. "No risks were ever taken with regards to Johne's disease, and all cattle that were bought into the herd had to be Johne's Level 1."
That strict purchasing policy, combined with careful herd management and adherence to scheme requirements, has helped establish a herd health status that gives confidence to both pedigree and commercial buyers.
The herd's approach to disease control has been thorough and proactive. The Sclaters previously vaccinated against leptospirosis but stopped routine vaccination in 2018. As part of ongoing monitoring, all suitable cattle were tested for leptospirosis last year. Only one animal, which retained a reaction believed to be linked to previous vaccination, failed to meet the required standard. That cow was subsequently culled before this year's herd test, after which all eligible animals passed successfully.
For the Sclaters, participation in the Premium Cattle Health Scheme has never simply been about obtaining certificates. Instead, it has provided a structured framework for maintaining and continually improving herd health, supporting both the long-term productivity of the herd and the trust placed in Deveron genetics by customers across the UK. The herd is recognised for maintaining accreditation for key diseases including Johne's disease, BVD and IBR.
Their emphasis on health has gone hand-in-hand with a broader commitment to genetic improvement. Since the herd was established in 1995, Hamish and Margaret have focused on breeding cattle that combine sound conformation, strong growth rates, maternal ability and excellent performance records. Over the years, this attention to detail has been rewarded with success at major breed competitions and shows and sales, including champions at Aberdeen-Angus Summer and Winter National Shows. The herd has also achieved Senior Champions at the Stirling (Feb ’25) and Carlisle (May ’25) bull sales. From February 2025 to February 2026, they had thirteen bulls sell at auction achieving a top price of 14,000 guineas, grossing over £117,000 in total. This success has established the Deveron prefix as one of the most respected names in Aberdeen-Angus breeding.
However, Hamish believes herd health has become increasingly important in the pedigree sector and will continue to grow in significance.
"There is no doubt health status is hugely important when selling pedigree stock and will be of even greater importance in the years ahead," he says.
That view is increasingly shared across the industry as buyers place greater emphasis on biosecurity, disease control and the long-term value of purchasing stock from accredited herds.
As they approach retirement, Hamish and Margaret leave a legacy built on consistency, integrity and attention to detail. Their story demonstrates how sustained commitment to health accreditation can contribute not only to herd performance, but also to commercial success and customer confidence.
The forthcoming dispersal of the Deveron Herd will mark the end of a remarkable chapter in Aberdeen-Angus breeding. Yet the influence of the Sclaters' breeding programme, and their unwavering commitment to herd health, will continue through the cattle they have bred and the many herds that have benefited from Deveron genetics over the past three decades.
For Premium Cattle Health Scheme members, the Deveron Herd stands as an excellent example of how health-focused breeding policies, careful stock selection and long-term participation in a recognised health scheme can help build a reputation that endures for generations.
Posted by SRUC Veterinary Services on 15/07/2026
