United Auctions' February Stirling Bull sales are taking on a new format, being staged mostly over two weekends, instead of during the week, in a bid to get round restricted hotel accommodation due to the ongoing Covid pandemic.

This year's sales also include a new online bidding facility, which will allow more potential bidders to buy from home instead of travelling long distances.

Already put back two weeks in the hope that restrictions would have eased, this year's entry of 635 pedigree bulls and females will see the first sale of Aberdeen Angus bulls (121) followed by females (nine) on Saturday, February 20, at 1pm, following a breed inspection and parade at 10am in the exhibition hall.

Sunday, February 21, will kick off in a similar format with the inspection and parade of both Beef Shorthorn and Lincoln Red bulls and females at 10am. The sale at 1pm, will commence with Beef Shorthorn bulls (83), Lincoln Red bulls (three), Beef Shorthorn females (21) and Lincoln Red females (four).

Limousins and British Blues will be sold on Monday, February 22, again with breed inspection and parades at 10am. The sale of Limousin bulls (73) followed by British Blue bulls (3) is due to start at 12.30pm.

Sales for the Simmental, Charolais and Salers breeds will take place the following weekend, with Saturday, February 27, witnessing the former breed inspection and breed parade at 10am. The Simmental sale at 1pm includes an entry of 127 bulls and nine females and a calf at foot.

Salers and Charolais are to be sold on Sunday, February 28, with the two lots of inspections and parades kicking off at 9.30am and 9.45am, respectively.

The 22 Salers bulls will be sold at 1pm with the 160 Charolais bulls and four females following immediately after at 1.15pm.

While it is hoped United Auctions' Bull Sales will return to a more 'normal' format in October, buyers are reminded that they must register for the February sales – either for attending or bidding online at www.uagroup.co.uk

Furthermore, individuals can only register to attend the sale if they have a genuine intention to buy a bull. There is no spectator element and the general public, trade and others not directly involved in sales must not attend. Under 16s are not permitted.

Only one customer per farming enterprise is permitted, with 2m social distancing rules in place at all times. Facemasks must be worn at all times.