Blelack Hill Black Jester 12,000gns                                          Thrunton Puma 12,000 gns

Strong Trade and 100% Clearance at Stirling May Bull Sale

A strong commercial demand underpinned the Aberdeen-Angus sale at United Auctions, Stirling, on the Bank Holiday Monday, where a 100% clearance was achieved and trade peaked at 12,000gns — a figure reached twice.

First to hit the top price was Thrunton Puma Z748, a Tonley Kasper U512 son out of Thrunton Polly R917, offered by the Campbell family, Alnwick. Thrunton Puma who has a Terminal Sire Index (TSI) of +50 and a Self-Replacing Index (SRI) of +66, was bought by Gordon Fisher, Hawick, Roxburghshire.

Matching that was Blelack Hill Jester Z052 from the Calcotts. Sired by Tonley Jester Eric S318 and out of Blelack Blaeberry R604, he carries figures of +48 TSI and +60 SRI and was purchased by the Scottish Government Bull Stud, Inverness.

Two bulls then followed at 11,000gns from Neil Wattie’s Tonley herd. First through the ring at this price was Tonley Victor Z053, having been Overall Champion under judge Ewen MacGregor. Sired by Gretnahouse Krack Light W221 and out of Tonley Vine W731 and with a TSI +42, he sold to J. Price, Cairneydrouth Farm, Dumbarton. Also selling at 11,000gns was Tonley Electric Z116, by Saville Endeavour W198 and out of Tonley Emily N987, and goes for commercial work at R. Forrest, Preston, Duns.

The Scottish Government Bull Stud was again in action at 10,500gns for Blelack Hill Pluto Z038, by Kilmaluag Eriskay R203 and out of Blelack Poppy V957. Another stand-out at five figures was the Reserve Champion Drumhill Pure Contemporary Z651, by Saville Big Man X226 and out of Weeton Princess Chartreuse W125. He made 10,000gns for pedigree work at David Walker, Glacantry, Nairn. Also realising 10,000gns was Harestone Blackjack Z898 from Mrs June Barclay, sired by Blelack Prince Colorado W032 and out of Blelack Blackbird U923, he will travel to Orkney for commercial work with the Stanger family.

A trio of bulls each achieved 9,000gns. First was Galcantray Cyclone Z695, by Kilmaluag Lord Blackbeauty W288 and out of Galcantray Cristal U124, bought by the Geddes family, Banffshire. Also at this figure were Shawtonhill Nepal Z874, by Blelack Kasper W044 and out of Shawtonhill Naomi S557, and Newton Edgar A153, by Belhaven Full Moon U174 and out of Newton Muchalls Eyrie T011 — both heading to the Scottish Government Bull Stud.

In the female section, John Steel of Westdrums sold cows and calf units at 2,500gns and 2,400gns. Topping at 2,500gns was Westdrums Proud Ilsa V194, by Hallington Expression S529 and out of Westdrums Proud Isla S181, sold with her heifer calf Westdrums Proud Isla B072 to the Davidsons, Aberdeenshire. Close behind was Westdrums Proud Irena W207, also by Hallington Expression and out of Wrae Proud Irena S304, sold with calf Westdrums Proud Iverson B071 to George Watson, Law Farm, West Lothian.

Judge Ewen McGregor commented on the quality before him “First of all I would like to say it was a real privilege to be asked to judge on the day. There were plenty of good bulls to choose from. My pick for Champion caught my eye as soon as he entered the ring, he was a well-fleshed bull with power, presence, good bone and a great head.  My choice of Reserve Champion was also a real eye-catcher, a good long bull with a great topline and real style.  Credit to all the exhibitors, it was good to see their efforts rewarded with a great sale on the Monday.”

Sale Statistics

Average £8325 (21) up by £3030 on 2024

Clearance 100%

Top price £ 12,6000