Aberdeenshire breeders topped the Dark Diamonds sale of pedigree Suffolks at Carlisle, where ewe lambs sold to 12,000gns and 9000gns and in-lamb gimmers peaked at 10,000gns.

Topping the trade and producing a personal best for John Gibb's Cairnton flock from Fraserburgh, was a daughter of Bridgeview Balvenie, brought out by daughter Sophia. Reserve champion at the Scottish National at Fife Show, in May, this December-born lamb is a grand-daughter of the Cairnton ewe that bred the 75,000gns Cairnton Chaos and the 30,000gns Cairnton Strike. She was knocked down at 12,000gns to near neighbour, Jimmy Douglas, buying on behalf of James Theyer of the Clanfield flock from Oxfordshire.

Graeme and Finn Christie of the Balquhain flock from Inverurie, also had a good day selling their highest priced gimmer to date at 10,000gns. Another backed by the best of genetics, her grand-dam is a former third prize winner at the Royal Highland Show and the dam of Balquhain Fireball. Sired by Howgillfoot Sniper, she sold carrying a pair of lambs to the 28,000gns Castleisle Blackadder. She was knocked down to Stephen Cobbald, Acton, Suffolk.

Suffolks from Melvin Stuart, son Murray and daughter Gemma's Birness flock from Ellon, continued on their winning ways too after a highly successful sale at the Aberdeen Christmas Classic with ewe lambs at 9000gns and 5500gns, both of which were bought by Charlie Boden and family, of the Sportsmans flock, Stockport, Cheshire.

The dearest is a daughter of Rookery The King, with the latter being sired by Sportsmans 5 Star.

Jimmy Douglas' Cairness flock hit a top of 7000gns for a gimmer purchased by William and David Moir, Cairness, Fraserburgh.

For full report and pictures see this week's Scottish Farmer on December 8.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.