A BORDERER will attempt to break a sheep shearing world record this summer.

Una Cameron has been working as a professional shearer on the circuit for 29 years, working across the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Norway.

The 51-year-old, from St Boswells, is bidding to smash the solo women’s nine-hour strong wool world shearing record in August.

The record currently stands at 458, set by New Zealand’s Sacha Bond in Southland in February.

Una, who is the only woman to have made the coveted Top 30 at the Golden Shears in New Zealand, said: “I have decided to do a world record this year. It is something that is always on your mind as a shearer - every shearer’s dream.

“I never thought I was good enough but my friends and peers from the industry have pushed me to attempt it, and with their support I know I can do it.”

The sheep shearing guru attended Borders College in the late 1980s where she first lifted a shearing handpiece.

Back in the day, very few women pushed a handpiece and treaded the boards in the shearing sheds and at the competitions.

“I found the early years quite difficult as a female shearer, as most people assumed you would be doing the wool when you walked into a shearing shed,” said Una. “More women are now coming into the industry and are proving themselves as competent shearers.”

Una, who won the Scottish Speed Shear title last year at Strathaven Show, blasted her ovine out in 32 seconds. She qualified for the Scottish final with a speed of 23 seconds in second place at Bonchester Bridge.

Ahead of her summer attempt, she will be put through her paces by personal sports trainer Max Luxton, who has coached more than 10 world shearing record holders. 

She will be managed by award-winning farmer and New Zealander Matt Smith, who holds the men’s record of 731, set on the property in 2016.

Una’s attempt will take place on August 7 at Trefranck in Cornwall.