However, while averages were down and many failed to sell, the cream of the crop still attracted a flutter of bids from the ringside.
Leading the way at £3200 was the overall champion, Hethpool Marvel, a two-shear from Bill and Fanny Elliot of Woodside, Yetholm, selected by the judge, Ted Fox from Wooler.
Marvel is by Woodside Logic, a tup used on loan and out of one of 880 ewes at Woodside and was knocked down in a two-way split to Mr Fox and Charlie and Mary Symons, Attonburn, Yetholm, Kelso.
Next, at £2200, was a three-shear from William Sutherland of Brackside, Raey. This one is by Auchentoul Italian, a £400 purchase at Lairg in 2008, out of a home-bred dam by Attonburn Crackshot. He sold to the Keoldale Sheep Stock Club, Durness.
Joyce Campbell of Armadale, Thurso, sold her best, a two-shear for £2100. A son of Strathcanaird Secret Weapon, bought for £1400 in 2008, he is out of a home-bred ewe, one of 780 ewes at Armadale. Buyer was WG Macleod of 67 Strathcanaird, Ullapool.
For full report and pictures of the top prices lots see this week's The Scottish Farmer, out November 3.
