Pedigree sheep breeders will be out in force at the Highland Ladies sale in Dingwall next week.
The fixture, which takes place on Wednesday December 14, starts with a show at 5.30pm followed by a sale at 7pm. The judge is Stephen Sutherland of Sibmister and Stainland Farms in Thurso.
Dingwall and Highland Marts auctioneer, Paul Spencer, said the sale incorporated stock from some of the best quality flocks in Aberdeenshire and Perthshire.
The Texel entry includes consignments from the following flock – Milnbank, Strathbogie, Deveronvale, Barnyards, Duncryne, Clinterty, Strathlene, and Westerton.
Beltex entries will also be forward from the Fearn, Beechcross and Bharangyne flocks.
The Suffolk section will include the dispersal of the Bardnaclavan flock, as well as entries from Strathbogie, Crossburn, Binhill, Didcot and Mariain.
Mr Spencer said: “The sale offers a nice selection of sheep for everyone. It offers people a chance to buy some good bloodlines.”
At last year’s sale Perthshire breeder Robert Cockburn, who runs the Knap flock of Texels at Errol, awarded his champion rosettes in the Texel section to a Tullagh Saracen daughter from Robbie Wilson’s Milnbank flock at North Dorlaithers, Turriff. Carrying twins to Glenside Willy Nilly, she sold for 1,900gn.
Champion in the Beltex section went to a Kinchyle Pedro sired gimmer from the dispersal of Mr G. P. Morris’ flock at Kinchyle, Culbokie. She sold for 480gn.
The Suffolk champion was a ewe by Strathbeg Stan the Man. Put forward by Mr H. M. Sutherland, Drummuie, Golspie, she realised 300gn.