Despite the crisp, cold weather, a good crowd was forward for the inaugural association show and sale of Bluefaced Leicester females at United Auctions' Stirling, last week, where trade peaked at 3000gns for a gimmer from Allan and Ben Wight's Midlock flock from Abington.

Bred from some of the best genetics in the breed, her dam, the D70 Midlock ewe was champion at the Highland last year and has bred three five-figure priced rams to include Midlock Knight Rider, while her sire is the J21 Midlock. Alex Steedman, buying for his Dunbrach flock from Kippen, Stirling, was the final bidder on this entry which sold carrying twins to the £7200 K1 Shafthill.

Cameron Jackson also got in on the action, forking out 900gns for a ewe hogg from the same home, for the family's Headlind flock based at Woodyett, Lanark. She is by the K7 Smearsett, and goes back to a Marriforth ewe bought some years ago.

Young Jamie Pirie who owns the Blarnavaid flock from Drymen, also had due cause for celebration, producing the pre-sale champion winner and second top priced lot at 1600gns, with two separate sheep. The first lot to go through the ring, a ewe hogg by the £37,000 Midlock K0, out of a ewe by the £9000 Firth, made 1600gns selling to James Nisbit, Sorn, Ayrshire.

Minutes later, Mr Pirie's second ewe hogg and pre-sale champion selected by Jim Hunter, Wedderburn, was by the £15,000 Highberries Hotshot, out of a ewe by the F1 Firth. She also caught the eye of Cameron Jackson at 900gns.

The reserve champion, a gimmer from Andrew Warnock, Dreva, Broughton, Biggar, made 650gns selling to Gordon McDougall.

By the end of the day, gimmers averaged £665 per head with ewe hoggs cashing in at £958.13.

Auctioneers: United Auctions