Gimmers from the McClymont’s Kirkstead flock, from Yarrow, dominated the Blue Belles sale of traditional Bluefaced Leicester females at Carlisle on Monday, producing the five lead priced lots which sold to 2200gns.

Sale leader from Alan and sons Sam and Oli McClymont, was a gimmer by Espley L1, bred from a home-bred ewe by Shrewbridge D017. She changed hands due with twin lambs to an £1800 Whinnyhall sire, to Martin Quinn, who was buying back some of his own genetics for his Whinnyhall flock based at Kinglassie, Lochgelly.

The pen leader from Kirkstead, by the Mendick H016, out of a Red Cottage dam that bred the £3100 K7, made 1600gns to A Fleming, Teviot Head, Hawick. Adding to her future potential, she sold carrying twins to a Leadburnlea sire.

The Scottish Farmer: Another from Kirkstead made 1600gns Another from Kirkstead made 1600gns

Welsh breeders, Messrs Parry, Dolwen, Abergele, went to 1200gns for a Burndale G1 daughter, out of a Shrewbridge D017 sired-dam whose full sisters have sold to £6000. She also sold carrrying a pair to the Whinnyhall tup.

Just behind, on 1050gns, Bo Brown, Thankerton, Biggar, Lanarkshire, bought a Kirkstead gimmer by the Mendick H016, out of a Craig Yr Orsedd sired-ewe, carrying a pair to a Whinnyhall sire.

And, selling up to Aberdeenshire at 1000gns with Mike Anderson Farming, Ballindalloch, was a gimmer daughter by the Ashes L1, out of another ewe by the Craig Yr Orsedd ram.

Outwith the Kirkstead consignment, trade peaked at 800gns for gimmers from Derek Henderson, Westwood, Northumberland and George Milne, Kinaldy, St Andrews, purchased by Messrs Fleming, Teviot Head, and Messrs Pennington, Longville in the Dale, Shropshire, respectively.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

averages: Seven ewes, £427.50 (-£54.63 for five less); 24 gimmers, £770.00 (+156.96 for two more).