SOME 45 years of dedicated Texel sheep breeding came to an end at the end of the Royal Northern Spring Show at Thainstone, last week, when John Mackie dispersed his Milton of Noth flock from Huntly.

The flock which in previous years has produced tup lambs to 12,000gns and 10,500gns at Lanark, for Milton of Noth Tyson and Milton of Noth Sir Alan, respectively, has also produced Highland and Royal Show champion winners.

Top price was 900gns paid on two occasions, with the first being a gimmer that boasts Strathbogie genetics on both sides. The sire is Yusef while the dam is by Strathbogie Ultimate and she sold carrying a pair of lambs to Clinterty Blue Diamond, to David Grant, Villagefields, Kennethmont.

Perthshire-based breeder, Cammy Gauld buying for his Cairnam flock based at Auchterarder bought the second, a ewe hogg also by Strathbogie Yusef, but out of a dam by Garngour Wickerman dam.

Next best at 850gns was a ewe by Strathbogie Ultimate purchased by Charlie McCombie, Auchincrieve, Rothiemay, Huntly. She is bred from a ewe by Mossknowe Pudsey dam and sold carrying triplets to Alwent Big Boy.

Wendy Willox of the Strathinver flock, Rhynie, Huntly, paid 800gns for a ewe hogg by Scholars You Know, out of a dam by Strathbogie Ultimate.

Top priced male at 750gns was Clinterty Blue Diamond, a tup hogg bought last year from Brian Buchan, that had been used las year. Final bidder was AR Ironside, Cairnbo, Gamrie.

Averages: 18 ewes, £559.41; 16 gimmers, £531.56; 14 ewe hoggs, £521.25. Overall, 49 head, £544.07.

Auctioneers: Aberdeen and Northern Marts.