While all breeds and crosses of prime sheep are currently selling well, more finishers are needed to buy west coast Blackface store lambs and take them through the winter.

Speaking at the Blackface Sheep Breeders' Association agm in Stirling on Tuesday, retiring president, Pamela Nicol told members many ewes and lambs from the high hills proved harder to cash than in previous years, in 2017, but those who did buy, were indeed "quids in."

It was a point echoed by auctioneers, Colin Slessor, Aberdeen and Northern Marts, and Richard Close, United Auctions, who pointed out that second and third draw hill lambs were not making enough money to sustain farming in these areas.

Ms Nicol also highlighted that the successful 'Border Blackface Lamb' tie up with Sainsbury's supermarket, had come to an end after an 11-year tie up, due to a new in buying policy.

A change of office bearers, saw David Shedden, Burnfoot, Muirkirk, elected as president, with Alec Telfer, from Broadmeadows, Yarrowford, coming on as vice-president.

A healthy year, saw the association report a final balance sheet with total funds of £252,225 – up £17,677 on the year.

Highlight of the day was the presentation of the Connachan Salver, which this year was awarded to Jimmy MacGregor, who farms with his wife Sheila, son Donald and daughter in law Lisa at Dyke, Milton of Campsie.

One of the top breeders of Blackface sheep in the country, Jimmy, his late brother Donald, and brother Archie, sold the first five-figure priced sheep at Lanark, in 1978 for £10,000.

Since they, the family has sold tups to a top of £40,000 for a shearling and £37,000 for a lamb, with Dyke regularly among the top flock averages.

The salver which was presented to the association from the McCall Smith family, is awarded annually for services to the Blackface sheep breed.