Texel sheep breeders met a disappointing trade at the Scottish National sale at Lanark with averages back more than £1500 on the year and for 48 fewer sold.

While keeping up with the 2023 sale was always going to be a challenge when three sold at six-figures prices, there was an air of unease from the very start at this year's event which peaked at 70,000gns for a lamb from the second last lot.

Sale leader was Hexel High Voltage, from Donald and Ross Macpherson, Berwick upon Tweed. A son of last year's 120,000gns Strathbogie Gladiator, he sold to Aberdeenshire breeders, Neil and Stuart Barclay, Harestone, Insch; Kenny Pratt, Hilltop; Jim Innes, Strathbogie and The Rock flock, Loughash.

A further 13 sold at 10,000gns and above. Next best at 60,000gns was Auldhouseburn Hercules UK, a son of Scholars Governor from Alan and Hugh Blackwood, Muirkirk, purchased by Ben Vernon of the Charben flock, Staffordshire.

The pre-sale champion from James Conon Porter, Saltcotes He's A Belter made 45,000gns selling to Charlie Boden of the Sportsmans flock, Stockport. The lamb, by Hexel Geronimo, from Knock, Appleby, was also reserve male champion at the Textravaganza.

Danny Hair, Drumbreddan, Stranraer, also had a good day taking 35,000gns for Drumbreddan Hard Ass, a son of Craig Douglas Gangster. The buyers were Hilltop, Strathbogie and Mark Priestley, Seaforde.

Overall, 174 ram lambs averaged £3807.76.

For full report and pictures see next week's Scottish Farmer

Auctioneers: Lawrie and Symington.