In praise of - prize bulls.

Much as I love the rain, the mud and the all-round convivial vibe, it was meeting Rocky that really switched me on to the joys of rural life.

I first saw him at 8am on the eve of last week's Royal Highland Show. Yes, I know our fields are full of gorgeous prime beef cattle but – at the risk of sounding like a starry-eyed townie – being up close and personal was a completely different experience.

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