Simmentals and Salers enjoyed a better than anticipated trade at Stirling, with the former selling to 18,000gns and the latter to 8000gns.

Averages were up in both sections too with the big red and white cashing in at £5039 for 86 bulls, up £64 on the same sale last year but for 12 fewer sold. Clearance rates were nevertheless higher at 67%.

Salers averages improved by more than £1400 per head to level at £4952 for 16 bulls – two fewer than the same sale last year – and with a 73% clearance.

It was nevertheless young Ross King, who enjoyed the best of the day's trading amongst the Simmentals selling the top two highest priced bulls at 18,000gns and 17,000gns.

Mr King who farms with his father Alex at Wolfstar, Haddington, with assistance from tractorman Brian Wallbank, led the trade with the overall champion, Wolfstar Jackaroo. Another by the 11,000gns Team Celtic, which has already bred several five-figure priced bulls, he is out of the Wolfstar Wotsit daughter, Wolfstar Ellie.

Wolfstar Jimmy Choo, the reserve senior champion, made 17,000gns. The first son by the privately purchased Islavale Guy, a Curaheen Bandit son, he is out of the Team Celtic daughter, Wolfstar Forget-Me-Not.

Both bulls sold to the judge, Phil Simmers, who together with his brother Symon, and two sons, Reece and Andrew, farm some 700 cows at as part of Backmuir Trading, Keith.

The judge, William Aitken, Carlopshill, Penicuik, also bought his champion amongst the Salers, Strathallan Navigator, for the top price of 8000gns. This was the intermediate champion, a 22-month-old son of the privately purchased Seamore Kawasaki, from Murray Lyle, Mid Cambushinnie, Dunblane, brought out by Robbie McNeil. His dam was also bred by Peter Donger, Seamore in the shape of Seamore Jenna, by Whitebog Fantastic.

For full report and pictures see this week's Scottish Farmer ...