Despite another lockdown to add to the on-going restrictions relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, the dispersal of the Aidansfield pedigree Salers herd at United Auctions, Stirling, met a buoyant trade as more producers look to easy calving females.

The sale, staged on behalf of the late Conor Colgan, who had developed a research station focusing on feed efficiency, genetic improvement, and carbon reduction at Lowick, Northumberland, attracted strong support with UA’s restricted viewing at the market and the new webcam online bidding facility.

Northampton-based breeder, Peter Burbage of Oakfields Farm, was the main buyer taking 34 females and the stock bull, Cleuchhead Kingpin, which topped the sale at 5500gns.

This six-year-old former champion at the breed sale at Castle Douglas in 2016 and prize winner at the Royal Highland Show, was bred by Rob and Kath Livesey. A Drumlegagh Brandon son, he is out of Cleuchhead Jolie, a daughter of the French sire Valentin.

The Scottish Farmer: Cleuchhead Kingpin topped the sale at 5500gnsCleuchhead Kingpin topped the sale at 5500gns

Second top price was 5000gns paid for the rising three-year-old bull, Tolquhon Napoleon, bred by society chairman, Andrew Sleigh. He is by Sligo Ohmy, out of a Garou-sired dam Tolquhon Amber and headed home with JM Aitken, Carlopshill, Penicuik.

Lead female at 3100gns was the five-year-old, Lowick Hall Granada, purchased by Murray Lyle, Mid Cambushinnie, Dunblane. She is by Tolquhon Trafalgar, out of Lowick Hall Charlotte and sold due with her third, either to the French sire Garou, which is still going strong at 10-years of age, or Highland.

Two in-calf cows made 2800gns to include the Trafalgar daughter, Lowick Hall Gravitas, a rising five-year-old purchased by John Martin and Son, Swinlees, Dalry. Gravitas sold due with her fourth to the French sire Gourmand.

Matching that bid was the rising four-year-old Lowick Hall Halle, a Tolquhon Bonaparte daughter due with her third to Gourmand. The buyer was Iain Minto, Townhead, Dolphinton, West Linton.

Lowick Hall Gucci, a rising five-year-old also made her mark, selling for 2700gns to Robert Orr, Lawhead, Tarbrax. Another by Bonaparte, she sold carrying her fourth.

Just behind on 2600gns, and selling down to Hexham with RA Armstong, Fourstones, was Lowick Hall Paris, a March 2017-born daughter of the French sire, Emir, that sold due with her third.

In-calf heifers peaked at 2800gns for Aidansfield Janie, a March 2019-born Bonaparte daughter out of Lowick Hall Verbier. The buyer was RC Gatherer, Mackiesmill, Elderslie, Johnstone.

Wigtownshire breeder, Colin McClymont, Cuil, Newton Stewart, purchased two Gourmand sired in-calf heifers Lowick Hall Illucidate for 2700gns and Aidansfield Judy for 2600gns. Cuil also paid 1850gns for a Gourmand sired-maiden heifer, Aidansfield Kelly.

Top priced maiden heifer at 1900gns was Aidansfield Krishna, an April 2020-born entry again by Gourmand but out of Lowick Hall Hillary. She sold to AG Teasdale, Colstons, Melmerby, Penrith.

Auctioneers: United Auctions.

averages: 88 cows, £1929.87; 41 in-calf heifers, £2230.61; 15 yearling heifers £1592.50; four stock bulls, £3806.25.