Averages were well up on the year at United Auctions’ sale of 4669 gimmers at Stirling, where Scotch Mules cashed in at £236.55 (+£51.13 on the year)

Suffolk crosses and Texel crosses also improved significantly averaging £208.07 (+£34.14) and £245.41 (+£90.09) respectively.

Champion at the pre-sale show judged by Ian Whiteford, Hilltarvit Mains, was a pen of Scotch Mule gimmers from Burncastle Farming Company, which were later sold to the judge for £275 per head.

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Leading Awards

Scotch Mules – 1, Burncastle Farming Co, £275; 2, J Gilchrist, West Meikle Pinkerton, £245; 3, J Paterson, East Dykes, £245; 4, A McKenzie and Partners, Ardgate, £260; 5, Tollishill Farming, £265; 6, J and M Hamilton, Crosswood Hill, £255.

Flock averages

Flock (No) Top (£) Avg (£)

Accredited Scotch Mule gimmers Crosswood Hill (40) 260 257.50

Millglen Farms Ltd (242) 310 299.71

Knowehead (64) 270 245.00

Non accredited Scotch Mule gimmers Claish Farms (183) 255 243.85

Balmakeewan Farms (120) 220 216.00

West Carse (33) 225 223.33

Ardgate (167) 265 255.51

Pitcairn (45) 260 260.00

Wardhead (382) 250 235.00

Orchard (45) 230 224.44

St John’s Wells (166) 235 229.52

Nether Braco Farming (107) 210 200.23

Greigston (183) 215 206.43

Grange of Kinneff (119) 205 203.32

Mains of Creuchies (120) 248 246.33

Tollishill Farming (50) 265 257.50

Clunebeg (80) 250 234.38

Newton of Crathie (77) 220 215.19

Drumnessie and Glenhead (142) 250 237.71

Craigend (97) 235 226.91

Drumtee (15) 245 245.00

Strichen Mains (35) 220 220.00

Ballingry (23) 215 215.00

Knowes (16) 255 255.00

Kerry Cottage (16) 225 225.00

Rainnieshill (120) 240 233.33

East Dykes (44) 245 242.27

Cattlemoss (11) 190 190.00

Burncastle Farming Co (151) 275 265.86

Kipperoch (84) 238 238.00

Redhall (30) 230 230.00

Broachrigg (51) 230 223.24

Dalfask (40) 220 220.00

Ladyurd (252) 232 227.82

Balgay House (77) 235 229.35

West Meikle Pinkerton (200) 245 234.27

Carroch (20) 238 238.00

Glendamph (18) 235 235.00

Plean Cottage (10) 210 210.00

West Badallan (39) 228 228.00

Cross-bred gimmers

No 1 Shotlinn Cottage (13)198 162.15

Ardgate (4) 265 265.00

Knowes (7) 240 240.00

Kerry Cottage (11) 260 260.00

Cattlemoss (20) 200 200.00

Newton of Crathie (8) 185 185.00

Chalmerstone (15) 430 376.67

Cattlemoss (20) 200 200.00

Cadogan Ests Agric Hold (36) 220 220.00

Newton of Crathie (12) 185 185.00

West Handaxwood (50) 325 295.00

Craig Rowan (20) 200 200.00

Over Finlarg (39) 270 270.00

West Carse (35) 235 232.86

Balnabroich Farms (52) 225 225.00

Elcho Park (10) 225 225.00

Borland (109) 138 104.95

No 1 Shotlinn Cottage (20) 142 142.00

Dispersals

Balnabroich (347) 212 169.14

West Meikle Pinkerton (38) 212 204.26