Aberdeen-Angus bulls sold to five-figure sums six times at the Stirling Bull Sales yesterday.
Despite fears trade would be back as a result of delayed farm subsidy payments, averages were up on the year.
According to Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society chief executive, Johnny Mackey, a 70% clearance rate was achieved when 93 bulls sold to an average of £5,804.
In February 2015, a clearance rate of 64% was achieved when 109 bulls sold to an average of £5,260.
Leading the trade at 24,000gn was the overall champion from the pre-sale show on Sunday – April-2014 born Tonley Evor from Neil Wattie, Mains of Tonley, Alford.
This one is a home-bred son of the 18,000gn Blelack Evor, which has previously bred sons to 12,000gn, and out of Tonley Elma.
He was snapped upby Fife farmer andhousebuilder, Rae Grieve, who runs the Carlhurlie herd.
Thereafter 10,000gn was achieved five times.
First at this price was a third-prize winning bull from Alasdair Houston’s Gretnahouse herd at Gretna Green.
April-2014 born Gretnahouse Blackpot is by Gretnahouse Blacksmith and out of Blelack Blackbird. He was bought by John Gilmour at Macmerry, East Lothian. Next at 10,000gn was a second-prize winning lot from Tom and Jack Arnott at Haymount, Kelso.
Haymount Eversmith is a May-2014 born son of Gretnahouse Blacksmith and out of Haymount Elouzza. He was bought by Alex Sanger, Prettycur, Montrose.
The Arnotts also sold a third-prize winning bull – June-2014 born Haymount Geresso – for 10,000gn.
This one is a Skaill Darkness son out of Haymount Gerastara. He was bought by Hugh Hodge Ltd at Stanley, Perth.
Thereafter the junior champion – August-2014 born Blelack Mr Braveheart from Neil and Graeme Massie of Blelack Farm, Dinnet, Aboyne – made 10,000gn selling to Kevin McCosker in Ireland.
This one is a home-bred son of the 10,000gn Warrenho Emperor, out of Blelack Miss Bangle. He was the first Emperor son to be sold by the Massies.
Last at 10,000gn was a second-prize winning lot from Upper Huntly Wood Farm, Earlston, Berwickshire.
The farm is owned by the trustees of the late Gordon R Brooke and managed by John Elliot.
Linton Gilbertines Black Prince, which is a June-2014 born son of Linton Gilbertines Rowan, out of Linton Gilbertines Black Princess Cherry, sold to P.S. Johnston, Brockan, Stromness, Orkney.