Centre records were smashed on two occasions at Aberdeen and Northern Marts' massive sale of cast cows and bulls at Thainstone when a new high of £2750 was paid for a cow and a best ever average just shy of £1500 per head achieved.

Overall 368 head of cattle from as far south as the Central Belt of Scotland right up to Shetland were forward to average £1499.48.

The new centre record price of £2750 was paid for an 1196kg Charolais cow from Messrs Barclay, Harestone, Crathes.

Tim McDonald, cull and prime cattle manager at ANM Group said: “Trade is off to a flying start for the year with a total of 17 cows grossing in excess of £2000 to a strong ringside of bidders.

By the end of the day, 136 finished beef cows averaged £1707.42 (+£28.59 on the week), with 193 feeding beef cows at £1314.66 (+£48.76), which sold to £1670 for a 776kg Salers from Darnford Durris.

Boning cows (10) averaged £942 (+£12.84) reaching £1130 for a 576kg Shorthorn.

Finshed beef bulls (27) averaged £2007 (+£109.34) having sold to £2570 for a 1440kg Charolais from 122 Main Street, Aberchirder.