Archie Hamilton has joined Lawrie and Symington's livestock team as head of sheep sales at the company's Lanark mart.

Born in Lanark and living within a mile of the market, Mr Hamilton follows in his father's footsteps, who worked for Lawrie and Symington for more 30 years as an assistant market foreman. Due to his father’s job, Archie spent time at the old Lanark mart whilst still at school and worked there as a yardsman before becoming a clerical assistant and later a trainee auctioneer.

He joins the auctioneers from C and D Auction Marts at Longtown, where he spent 15 years after being taken on as a trainee sheep auctioneer in 2003. During his time there, he rose through the ranks to become head of sheep sales having been responsible for developing operations. He also played a key part in making Longtown the largest sheep market in Europe.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Hamilton said: “I have very fond memories from my time at Lawrie and Symington over 15 years ago. The facilities at Lanark are second to none and I believe the company is ripe with potential to make it the go-to-destination for buyers and sellers in the sheep trade.”

Mr Hamilton is a passionate farmer in his own right and owns the Smyllum flock of pedigree Texel sheep.

Hamish McCall, managing director of Lawrie and Symington, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Archie back to Lawrie and Symington. His appointment is a signal of our long-term strategy to grow the livestock side of the business and, having followed his career at Longtown and the success of sheep sales under his tenure there, we believe he returns to us with the knowledge and experience to greatly enhance our sheep offering.”