Investment plans at Scots auction mart

United Auctions has announced plans to upgrade its Lairg Auction Mart in northern Scotland.

The improvements will see a “six-figure” sum invested at Lairg and complete a comprehensive review of UA’s operations during the last 12 months that has included the amalgamation of the Perth and Stirling businesses at the Stirling Agricultural Centre and the upgrade of Dalmally and Islay marts.

The Lairg work is scheduled to begin this month and includes the replacement of a loading bay and 150 steel pens. It is hoped that the first phase will be complete in time for the opening lamb sale in August.

United Auctions executive chairman David Leggat said: “I’m sure this will be welcome news to our customers at Lairg, especially as it comes so soon after we purchased the mart.

“It’s a very special market and is famous for the quality of stock on offer. I am delighted we have been able to make this commitment. The market is deserving of the investment and so are our customers.”