Scots keep faith with Cheviots

By FWi staff

SCOTTISH hill farmers made a firm commitment to the future quality of their sheep flocks on a day of confident trading for Cheviot Hill rams at Lockerbie.

Although the stock on offer was presented to buyers on-screen, and the 174 head was less than half the usual entry at this fixture, there was keen demand.

The top price shearling, by Winterhope Nick Nack, achieved 8500.

The ram was from Finlay and Morag Smiths Stirkfield flock at Broughton, Lanarkshire, and the total flock of eight rams averaged 3175.

Morag Smith said: “After such a dreadful year it was wonderful to see confidence returning.”

Compared with last year, the sale average rose by 491 to an overall level of 939.

The 77 shearling rams averaged 1040, and 58 two-shears averaged 804.

Michael Dickie of auctioneer Harrison and Hetherington said: “The day was a great morale booster for Cheviot breeders.”