The Lawrie and Symington auctioneer's hammer fell for the last time on Wednesday, at Forfar Mart, for the company's last livestock sale held there.

The busy sale saw a good show of cattle and lambs go under the hammer, with auctioneer, Helen Rickard, selling on the day.

Local livestock farmer, Graeme Mather, at the sale said: “We had a massive turn out today but it was a very sad day for farmers. We put a lot of stock through the market and also buy out of the ring, I have been here every Wednesday for years.

"I feel sorry for the staff who have been working hard. The atmosphere has been improving here in the last year. If a new buyer is found for the mart, I will support it.”

The mart remains for sale as a going concern and The Scottish Farmer understands there are a number of bids on the table from property developers and other auctioneering companies. However, a decision is not expected from Lawrie and Symington until next week.

A local farmer steering group, facilitated by NFU Scotland, had been meeting to work on alternatives when the mart shuts to keep businesses operating and local supply chains going. Anyone wishing to get involved is encouraged to contact their local NFUS representative.