Islay’s annual autumn sale

CALEDONIAN Marts Ltd sold 192 head of cattle and 186 sheep at its annual autumn sale on Islay last month.

Regular buyers and five new customers to the island ensured good trade throughout the day, and more could have been sold to sellers’ advantage. Top price of the day went to D McMillan, Ballulive, for a Limousin bullock at £840, purchased by Brian Gilvear, Graystale, Stirling.

Heifers were also topped by Mr McMillan, again for a Limousin, at £720 also purchased by Brian Gilvear.

Leading prices: Bullocks: Lim, £830 and £810 Balliemartin; Lim, £800 Ardtalla Estates; Lim, £800 and £790 Balliemartin; Lim, £750 Ballulive; Char, £710 Ardtalla Estates; AA, £670 and £650 Daill; overall average for 104 bullocks sold £630 (+£6 on the year). Heifers: Lim, £660 Balliemartin; AA, £600 Daill; Char, £600 and £540 Ardtalla Estates; Lim, £560 Ballulive; Lim, £540 Ardtalla Estates; Lim, £520 Auchnaclach; overall average for 82 heifers sold £534 (+£27 on the year). Lambs: Tex X, £58 Balliemartin; Cross £36 Persabus; BF, £30 Ballulive. Ewes: Chev, £44 Balliemartin.