Texels led the charge at the opening day of the Aberdeen Christmas Classic yesterday selling to a top of 4,200gn.
Leading the sale of pedigree females, was the pre-sale show reserve champion from Robbie Wilson’s Milnbank flock at North Dorlaithers, Turriff.
Placed by judge Archie Hamilton of 194 Smyllum Road, Lanark, this home-bred gimmer is by Strathbogie Untouchable son Milnbank Van Wilder and out of a dam by Millar’s Outstanding. In-lamb to the £60,000 Strathbogie Yes Sir, she sold to Steven Smith, The Byre, Sunnyhill Croft, Turriff.
Next best for the breed at 3,200gn was the pre-sale show champion from Jim Innes’ Strathbogie flock at Dunscroft, Huntly.
This Aman Vrynwy daughter, out of an 8,500gn Glenside Razzle Dazzle daughter, sold in-lamb to Strathbogie Yes Sir to Graham Morrison who runs the Deveronvale flock at Inchbruich Farm, Cornhill.
Other leading prices included 2,000gn twice.
First at this price was a gimmer from Albert Howie’s Knock flock at West Knock, Stuartfield, Peterhead. She sold to Michael Cursiter of Henley, Evie, Orkney.
The second at 2,000gn was another gimmer from Robbie Wilson’s Milnbank flock selling to Robert Rendall, New Moan, Harray, Orkney.
In the Suffolk section, a top price of 2,400gn was paid for the pre-sale show reserve champion from Jim Innes’ Strathbogie flock.
This gimmer by Muirton One Direction and out of a dam by Strathbeg Stan the Man, is a full sister to a £16,000 Strathbogie. She sold in-lamb to Lake View No Limits to Judith Lorimer, of Cadgerford, Kingswells, Aberdeen. Mr Innes also sold gimmers to 1,300gn, 1,250gn and 1,100gn.
Second best in the Suffolks section at 1,400gn was the overall champion, as judged by David Miskelly and his young daughter Faith of Corrybrae, Kildrummy.
Put forward by father and son duo George and Melvin Stuart, of Milltown of Birness, Ellon, this home-bred gimmer is by Middlemuir Maserati and out of a dam by Meikleson Square Up. She sold in-lamb to Cavangrove Catalyst to Charlie and Isobel Angus, Oldfield, Thurso.
Lastly, in the Beltex section a top price of 1,100gn was paid for the pre-sale show champion as judged by Zoey Rennie of 4 South Street, Newmill, Keith.
Put forward by the Mair family at Everton of Auchry, Cuminestown, Turriff, Aviemore Adeen 6 is by Damien V/D Dire Musschen and out of Aviemore Pepsi. She sold in-lamb to Corstane Whistler to Andrew Morton of Lochend Farm, Denny, Stirling.
Averages: Beltex – six ewes £425.25; seven ewe lambs £202.50; 20 gimmers £497.17. Suffolk – two ewes £420 ;10 ewe lambs £595.35; 32 gimmers £624.75. Texel – two ewe lambs £231; 80 gimmers, £726.34.