Despite a somewhat mixed trade for breeding female sheep of all types, and huge uncertainty prevailing throughout the industry, Kelso Ram Sales did it again with another all sales record at £1056.35 for 3444 head – up £56 on last year's high.

On one of the hottest days of the year which saw temperatures as high as 28ºC at Kelso, and one of the fastest trading events, with several auction rings finished by 1.30pm, no fewer than 12 shearlings sold at five figures and to a top of £36,000 for a Texel from Andrew Clark's Teiglum flock, Lesmahagow.

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Eight of the top 12 shearling prices were paid for Texels, with the remainder made up of two Bluefaced Leicesters, a Beltex and a Suffolk.

Centre records were also paid amongst ram lambs when Jimmy Douglas' Cairness Suffolk sold for the second highest price overall at £25,000.

Suffolk records were also achieved amongst the shearling rams with a new high of £10,000 from James Alexander, Jalex.

Both types of Bluefaced Leicesters met a ready demand too with the crossing type to £13,000 from Kevin Ridley's Shitlington flock, while the traditional sorts sold to £11,000 from Ian Smith, West Boldton.

Outwith the top sellers, many of which sold to pedigree flocks, most consignors went home in a buoyant mood when 91% of the numbers forward finding new homes and with the exception of Beltex and a few other breeds, sold well.

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What was just as important in an isolated industry which is becoming increasingly under government and financial pressure was the social contact Kelso Ram Sales provides – a point highlighted by Border Union chairman, Peter Douglas, Ruletownhead.

"Kelso Ram Sales provides a kaleidoscope of breeds and crosses matched with an atmosphere of passion and tradition which is the result of two years of hard work and dedication by farmers and flockmasters. It is impossible to put a monetary value on the importance of these social business gatherings which are worth so much in this quick fix world of social media and human isolation."