THERE was a bit of a mixed bag both in quality and trade at this year's annual spring bull sale for the Highland cattle breed in Oban on Monday.

But, the fact that the 10 two-year-old bulls which were sold could average £4441.50 was a sign that people were prepared to pay for quality.

Leading was the first prize Angus Ruadh of Glengorm, from Tom Nelson, Glengorm, Mull, which made 8000gns to Inverinate Estate, Kyle of Lochalsh.

The champion, from first-time Oban vendor, Tim Radford, from Heydour, in Lincolnshire, gave him and stock manager Daniel Rowbottom their best possible start in the breed when he added a 6500gns price to the coveted championship ticket.

This black two-year-old, Cameron Dubh of Kelby, sold to Morven Coghill, buying on behalf of Blingery Farms, Wick, where she is looking after a new fold of Highland cattle.

The reserve male followed in price order with a 6000gns value. That was Donald MacNaughton's Douglas of Rannoch, a two-year-old red bull selling to Falko Steinberg, Germany.

Maureen MacArthur and John Ashton, from Newhouse, Heights of Inchvannie, Strathpeffer, had the leading sale female, Skye of Allanfearn, which made 4000gns to German breeder, Hendrik Hoof.

(For full coverage, read this week's issue, out on Friday, February 17).