Success for threein-one stock sale
Saturday’s stock sale in Oban brought three events under one roof.
To limit travel during the coronavirus crisis, scheduled sales at Tiree and Dalmally were cancelled and instead combined with the one at Oban Livestock Centre.
Strict rules were put in place to keep sellers, buyers and staff safe, said Donald Morrison, who is United Auction’s area managing director.
The one-way system to help buyers keep a social distance was hailed a success and got the approval of Trading Standards, said Mr Morrison.
Sellers had to drop off stock the day before and were not able to stay to see their animals get sold. Buyers who came from as far away as Penrith, Banff and Bute also had to follow guidelines, pre-registering, sticking to a set seat for the entire sale and declaring themselves under 70.
‘The system worked and we were happy with that, so were Trading Standards,’ said Mr Morrison.
He added: ‘It was very obvious to us that it was an exceptionally good sale. Even though the sellers could not come in, they were delighted with their trade. The feedback we’ve had from everyone we’ve spoken to has been good.’
The number of buyers was up on usual, 314 cattle and 616 sheep were auctioned with stock ‘easily sold at satisfactory levels’ according to the market report.
United Auction is now considering combining other sales in June if the current restrictions are still in place. The location is still to be decided, said Mr Morrison.