BELTEX gimmers met a buoyant demand at the Beltex Beauties Sale at Carlisle, where trade peaked at 10,000gns and several others sold for more than 5000gns.

The sale, which comprised Beltex females from eight flocks, was led by a show gimmer, from Richard Wood and his father, John, Kingledores, Tweedsmuir, Biggar. Their Kingledores Arienne, an ET entry by Airyolland Storm Trooper, was knocked down to Adam Neachell, Shurbbery, Walsall, West Midlands.

Next at 7500gns was the best from Neale and Janet McQuistin, New Luce, Stranraer, purchased by D Costelloe, West Barn, Market Drayton, Shropshire. Airyolland Andromeda ET, is sired by Dooley Napal.

Two lots came under the hammer for 7000gns including the pen leader from Irish breeders, Wade and Alison McCrabbe's Ardstewart flock. Living up to her name, Ardstewart Attractive Lady, an ET is by Ardstewart Talk of the Tavern, sold to Welsh breeder, Michael Owens of the Glantre flock from Pontshaen, Llandysul, Dyfed.

Matching the 7000gns bid was the inter-breed sheep champion from Echt Show, Woodies All Meat ET, from Stuart Wood's Aberdeenshire-based Woodies flock. Final bidder for this Clary Prankster-sired gimmer was Robert Jones, Llwyn Teg, Bala, Gwynedd.

FOR FULL REPORT and PICTURES see this week's SCOTTISH FARMER