UNDER THE HAMMER
UNDER THE HAMMER
Farmers and crofters gathered on the
coast of the small Inner Hebridean
island of Tiree last week for its
annual August sale of over 5000
lambs. FW joined buyers on the ferry
from Oban for a great day out
A convoy of double-deckers get ready to transport over 5000 lambs off the island.
Not the comfort of a modern office, but the customer service is spot on. United Auctions staff Martha Owen (left) and Mary Morrison, wife of auctioneer Donald, run the office like clockwork.
UA auctioneer Donald Morrison discusses the sale with a vendor. Lambs averaged £36.56, well up on the 2000 level of £25.67. About 1000 lambs went straight to slaughter.
Euan MacKinnon, farmer and chairman of the Tiree Rural Centre committee, which is trying to raise funds for a new livestock market and rural centre.
Its a family affair…"Wee"Donald Morrison, son of "big" Donald the auctioneer, helps drove lambs all day.
Large batches of lambs purchased by one buyer are grouped together in paddocks with a view to die for.
Several cattle went under the hammer as well, but these ones were exercised first with a stroll to the market before the sale.
Refreshes the parts that others… UA staff John McCormack and John Sturton quench their thirst and take a break.