Simmentals sold to a top of 6,500gn at Stirling with 38 bulls selling to average £4,253 – back £222 on last year’s sale.
Leading the sale, selling to the Scottish Government bull stud at Knocknagael, Inverness, was Kersknowe Heirloom, by Auchorachan Excalibur, from John Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Kelso.
Next best at 6,200gn was Islavale Handy, by Ranfurly Confederate, from the Stronach family at Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. The buyer was Aitken Bros, Riccarton Farm, Linlithgow.
The Stronachs also sold: the reserve champion, Islavale Hoogee, for 5,800gn to Jim McLaren, Dargill, Crieff; Islavale Houston for 5,200gn to John Drummond, Townend Farm, Craigie; Islavale Hercules for 5,000gn to Kincraigie Farms, Lumphanan; and the overall champion, Islavale Hijack, for 2,800gn to Strachan, Melfield.
Other leading prices included: 5,800gn for Keeldrum Hi Flyer from D Lowry, Newsteadings Farm, Lanark, selling to Robert Aitken & Sons, Bogside Farm, Fintry; 5,500gn for Pitmudie Heineken from Heather Duff, Pitmudie Farm, Brechin, selling to MJ & CM Hutchinson, Falahill Farm, Heriot; 5,500gn for Overhill House Hanover from Richard McCulloch, Over Hill House, Armadale, selling to J Hunter, Braehead, Huntly; and 5,000gn for Corskie Harvey from the Green family at Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers, selling to Arnhall Farms, Edzell, Brechin.
Meanwhile, Beef Shorthorn and Salers bulls sold to tops of 8,000gn and 5,200gn respectively.
Leading the Shorthorn sale was the champion from the pre-sale show, judged by Cathryn Williamson, Balnespick Farm, Kincraig.
This was rising two-year-old Balgay Khamul, by Meonhill Highland Fortress, from Balgay Farm, Inchture, near Perth. He sold to AS Hogg & Partners, Birkenside, Earlston.
Next best at 6,000gn was Knockenjig Kite, by Glengoy Geronimo, from David & Rosemary Dickie, Knockenjig Sanquhar. He sold to Stephen Mackie & Co, Balquhindachy, Methlick, Aberdeenshire.
Meanwhile, the top Salers price of 5,200gn was paid for the champion, judged by Ian Smith, Netherton, Whitehouse, Alford.
This was Rigel Laredo, by Rigel Byron, from Rigel Pedigree, Leven Fields, Middleton on Leven, Yarm. He sold to C Robertson, Garline, Ballindalloch.
The reserve champion – Whitebog Laurie, by Seawell Diplomat, from Alister Mackenzie of Whitebog Farm, Fortrose – sold for 4,500gn. The buyer was JM & W Turnbull, Boghall, Kingsbarns, Fife.