More than 242 pedigree bulls and females from no fewer than nine breeds have been entered for United Auctions' two-day multi-breed show and sale at Stirling on Sunday, May 5 and Monday, May 6.

Judging takes place on the Sunday for pedigree Charolais, Simmental, Salers, Beef Shorthorn and Aberdeen-Angus breeds, which will also see a parade of Highland and Hereford bulls. The Limousin pre-sale show will be staged on the Monday morning ahead of all the breed sales, which start from 10.30am.

John Roberts, United Auctions’ group sales director, said: “There will be a tremendous show of bulls forward for the May sales with pedigree breeders making the journey to Stirling from the four corners of Scotland, Northern England and Oxfordshire.

"It’s also great to see that the numbers of Limousin, Salers, Charolais and Beef Shorthorn bulls forward are all up on the year. And we look forward to welcoming a Maine Anjou bull to this year’s line-up – a first for the show and sale ring at Stirling.”

The event which is supported by indepedent property consultancy sponsors Galbraith, will also witness the inaugural presentation of the Morton Strachan MBE Memorial Quaich.

The silver quaich has been created by United Auctions to honour the late leading livestock auctioneer and long-time board member who sadly died in August 2018.

Mr Morton was a highly respected champion for the agricultural sector with a career spanning more than 50 years. He left school aged 14 to become a trainee auctioneer at Hamilton market and worked in Edinburgh and Cupar before moving to Stirling market in 1958 where he specialised in selling prime cattle.

A former managing director of UA from 1990-95 and, following retirement, he remained on the main board of UA Group PLC until 1999. He continued to be involved with the Bull Sales and acted in an advisory capacity as recently as the construction of Stirling Agricultural Centre.

Known for his energy and enthusiasm in and out of the box, Morton never missed the Royal Highland Show where he was a local director in 1997 and a steward for many years.

Neil McLean, chairman of United Auctions, said: “Morton lived and worked in Stirling for 60 years, making an indelible mark on those who knew him by going that extra mile with great care, thought and attention. He was dedicated to his work while being a true family man so it’s fitting that his daughters are the first to present this special tribute which honours his legacy.”

The Morton Strachan MBE Memorial Quaich will be presented as an annual prize for the supreme champion Charolais bull during the May Bull Sales.

Judges

Charolais – David Thornley, 30a Main Street, Hartshorne, Swadlincote

Simmental – James Wightman, Coxhill, Candie, Maddiston, Falkirk

Salers – James W Morton, Kaeside, Melrose

Beef Shorthorn – Stuart Macadie, Skaill, Thurso

Aberdeen-Angus – Stephanie Dick, Westerton, Cowie, Stirling

Limousin – Drew Hyslop, Boquhan Home Farm, Kippen

Show and sale programme

Friday, May 3

5pm Yard opens

Saturday, May 4

3pm Inspection of Charolais bulls

Sunday, May 5

8.30am Inspection of Simmental bulls followed by Maine Anjou bull

9.30am Inspection of Aberdeen-Angus bulls

10.30am Show of Charolais bulls

12noon Show of Simmental bulls followed by parade of Maine Anjou bull

12noon Inspection of Salers bulls followed by Beef Shorthorn, Highland and Hereford bulls

1.30pm Show of Salers bulls followed by parade of Highland and Hereford bulls

2pm Inspection of Limousin bulls

2.15pm Show of Beef Shorthorn bulls

3pm Show of Aberdeen-Angus bulls

Monday, May 6

9am Show of Limousin bulls

10.30am Sale of Charolais bulls (48)

11.45am Sale of Simmental bulls (42), followed by Maine Anjou (1), Limousin (68 and six females), Salers (11), Beef Shorthorn (15), Highland (three and one female), Hereford (one), Aberdeen-Angus (45 and one female).