TRADE surpassed expectation at one of the largest one-day sales of sheep in Europe when United Auctions sold 12,694 store lambs at its Lairg centre, on Tuesday.

This was despite lambs not being as well grown with more second and third draws forward combined with a lack of grass in the south.

That being said, averages improved, albeit marginally, on the year as 8944 wedder lambs cashed in to average £51.11 (5p) with the 3750 ewe lambs at £76.54 (+2p).

It was North Country Cheviot ewe lambs that topped the trade when a pen of park types from South Balkeith, Tain, hit £166, followed at £138 for a pen of hill types from Armadale, Thurso.

Wedders peaked at £72 for Texel crosses from Heatherlea, Ardgay, with Northies to £70 from Drummuie, Golspie.

LEADING prices:

NCC wedder lambs – £70 Dummuie, Golspie; £69.50 13 Inverbreckie Drive; £68 Carnich, Sutherland; £67, £62 Armadale, Thurso; £64 1 Balcharn, Lairg; £63, £62 South Balkeith; £62 West Durcha, Rosehall; £61.50 Achentoul, Kinbrace; £61.50 Amat, Ardgay; £61.50 Achentoul, Sutherland; £61.50 Tulloch, Bonar Bridge; £61.50 3 Borgie, Lairg.

NCC ewe lambs – £166, £112 South Balkeith, Tain; £138, £115, £112 Armadale, Thurso; £135 Tormore, Dunbeath; £135 Dunbeath Farms, Dunbeath; £130 3 Borgie, Lairg; £128 Badanloch Estate, Sutherland; £122 13 Inverbreckie Drive, Invergordon; £120 Achley, Dornoch; £110 Achentoul, Sutherland.

Rams and riggs – £52 Armadale, Thurso; £52 200 Kinlochbervie, Lairg; £50.50 26 Durine, Durness; £50.00 17 Achnairn, Shiness; £50 Inkstack, Barrock.