Dingwall and Highland Marts sold 47 registered Cheviot females at its inaugural show and sale this week.

The adverse weather conditions seriously affected the hill sheep entry, but a satisfactory trade was realised for the brave souls that made it to the sale.

The main register judge, R Sutherland, Hilliclay, Caithness, awarded the championship to the first prize ewe lamb, sired by Bardnaclavan Baron, from James Mackay, Biggins, Wick, which he then bought for £300. The reserve award went to the second prize ewe lamb, sired by Smiddyquoy Highlander, from J and J Farquhar, Smiddyquoy, Watten, which made £330 to H Sutherland, Drummuie, Golspie.

Hill judge, RJ Lund, East Clough Farm, Cumbria, awarded the champion ticket to the first prize in-lamb ewe, a five-year-old Langdale Typhoon daughter carrying twins to Balnakeil Boomerang, from Badanloch Estate Limited, Kinbrace. It made £580 to the judge, with the reserve award going to the first prize gimmer, another Langdale Typhoon daughter carrying twins to North House Nailer, also from Badanloch Estate Limited, which realised £600 also to the judge.

Averages: Main register – 17 ewe lambs, £177.06; eight gimmers, £266.25; 10 ewes, £180. Hill register – four gimmers, £295; eight ewes, £367.50.