Prime sheep in the sale ring

Aberdeen & Northern Marts at Quoybrae sold 3,791 prime and store sheep incorporating Dunbeath, Bettyhill, Forsinard and north-west Sutherland areas. Overall sale average was £51.76 (+0.22p on the year). Ewe lambs (743) averaged £49.30 (-£1.08) to £82 for Texels from Tacher Latheron. Wedder lambs (1,813) averaged £49.33 (+ £3.26) to £64.50 for Cheviots from Lower Westerdale, Halkirk. Cross lambs (1,089) averaged £58.19 (- £2.13) to £71 for Suffolks from Dounreay post office. Prime lambs (146) sold to 169.4p per kg for 42.8kg Texels from 5 West Murkle and £79.50 for 60kg Suffolks from Mossgeal Achalone. Leading prices: Bettyhill: Ewe lambs: Chev – 98 Kirktomy £42. Store lambs: Chev – 98 Kirktomy £51.50. Skerray: Ewe lambs: Chev – 265 Tubeg £35. Store lambs: Chev – 265 Tubeg £48. Halladale, Forsinard and Portskerra: Ewe lambs: Chev – 50 Dalhalvig £60. Store lambs: Suff – Kirkton £64; Chev – Trantlemore £56. Dunbeath: Ewe lambs: Chev – Braemore (Macgonigill) & Tacher £75; Tex – Tacher £68; Aber/Chv – Ballachly £60. Store lambs: Tex – Braehillor £66.50; Chev – Braemore (Macgonigill) £58.50; Mule – Braehillor £58.50; Aber/Chv – Ballachly £55. Armadale and Strathy: Ewe lambs: Black – 27 Brawl £71; Chev – 184 Armadale £52; Tex – Murray House £47. Store lambs: Tex – 27 Brawl £64.50; Chev – 184 Armadale £55. Caithness: Ewe lambs: Chev – Castle Heather £72; Suff – Castle Heather £69; Chev/ Mul – Achaguie Farm £68; Tex – 5 Upper Dounreay £66.50. Store lambs: Tex – 5 Upper Dounreay £67; Suff – Castle Heather £66; Chev/Mul – Achaguie Farm £65.50; Chev – Castle Heather £64.