Blackface gimmers and draft ewes from David and Jock Jackson's Pole flock from Lochgoilhead, led the way at United Auctions annual breeding sheep sale at Dalmally, attracting the top section prices at £1000 and £580, per head, respectively.

The sale, which saw 7747 sheep change hands was led by a pen of three Pole gimmers, purchased by Fletcher Farming, Laigh Hatton.

Blackfaces from Robert McKay, Mill Park, topped the ewe lamb section at £130 per head.

Despite these top prices, overall averages were in the most down on the year, with the Blackie section witnessing ewe lambs averages of £45.82 (-£8.95); gimmers £83.10 (-£14.10) and ewes £46.31 (-£1.74).

Crossbreds fared slightly better with ewe lambs at £58.01 (+£7.96); gimmers £87.48 (-£9.38) and ewes £47.86 (+£2.02).

LEADING prices

Ewe lambs – BF – £130, Mill Park; £90, Crammie; £78, Acharonich; £75, Crammie; £70, Lurgan, Burnbank (Oban), Drumachar, Mill Par, Crammie, Tay and Torridon Estate and Kenknock. Mule – £90, £78, Duallin; £75, Pitcastle Estate; £75, Saulmore; £65, Culbhuirg, Iona. Tex X – £60, Stonefield Farms. Chev – £62, Kilchoan. Cross – £52, £51, Balnahard.

Gimmers – BF – £1000, £260, Pole Farm; £550, £480, £350, £320, Dalchirla; £450, Tay and Torridon Estates; £390, £280, £250, £138 Lephinchapel; £300, £250 Arnicle; £190, Nunnerie; £110, Littleport; £108, Tearman; £105, Balliemeanoch; £100, Laigh Balernock; £100, Acharonich; £98, Glenkiln; £98, Auldallan; £95, Pole, 20 Achnamarra, Invernahyle, Achalic Farm, Littleport (Ardveich) and Balliemeanach. Swale cross – £80, Achalic.

Mule – £135, Achalic; £122, Culbhuirg, Iona; £110, Achalic; £108, Tullich Croft; £102 – Dall. Chev – £100, Cour Grazings.

Ewes – BF – £580, Pole Farm; £200, Arnicle; £140, Balliemeanoch; £125, Tay and Torridon Estates; £102, Crammie; £82, Barbreck (Neish) and Croft 1 Fanmore; £80, Gobagrennan, Crosshill and Pole; £78, Gobagrennan; £75, Antuim; £72, Gobagrennan; £70, Crosshill; £65, Burnbank Oban and Balliemeanoch; £64, Tullochcan; £62, Littleport and Littleport (Ardveich); £60, Maam. Chev – £60, £58, Maam; £50, Keppochan, Machrins, Strathoich and Blackmount. Mule – £45, Kilchoan.