FIRST to kick off this morning at the annual event, held at Thainstone, was the multi-breed show and sale of pedigree bulls where the Charolais breed secured the top price and overall champion.

Topping the trade at 8000gns was Jock Wilson's Kinclune Lenny from Kinclune, Glenkindie, Alford. A son of Beechtree, he sold to D Blair and Son, Littleinch Farm, Balmerino, Newport-On-Tay.

Jim and Andrew Gammie, Drumforber, Laurencekirk, secured the second top price with their Limousin, Westpit Lampard, a son of Jalex Itsallgood. Buying him was Neil Meldrum, Shenval, Ballindalloch.

Simmentals sold to a top of 5500gns for Corskie Glow from the Green family at Garmouth. Glow, by the noted Bel Dhu Capercaillie, he was snapped up by AJ Blackhall, Millhead, Tarland, Aboyne.

Aberdeen-Angus' reached 6000gns for the breed champion from Neil and Graeme Massie, Blelack. This was Blelack Eddie, a son of Blelack Evergreat, which was knocked down to Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness.

Meeting a bumper demand was the Salers, with the Rigel pedigree from Leven Fields, Middleton of Levenn Yarm, selling Rigel Malik to a top of 5500gns. A son of Rigel Byron Poll, he goes to A Smith and Son, Haughton, Glenkindie, Alford.

See this week's SF for full reports and pics on the Royal Northern Spring Show