Success for team Scotland at May Fair
Earlier this month saw the annual convoy south of trailers full of the best of Scottish Dorset rams destined for the famous May Fair at Kivells Livestock centre, Exeter. 9 rams in total from 3 well known Scottish flocks were up for grabs and certainly looked none the worse for their 8 hour journey.
Star of the Scottish offerings came from James Royan and the Bennachie flock in the form of Edradour (E4), sired by Ballytaggart Dizzee Rascal and out of a Poorton ewe. This shapey lamb was snapped up for the top Scottish price of 2000gns by online bidder Kevin O’Connell, and is destined for a new life on the Emerald Isle. Bennachie Elgin (E3), again sired by Ballytaggart Dizzee Rascal but this time out of Ballytaggart ewe also sold well at 1300gns, this time to Catherine Pritt Muncaster and the Thornbank flock. Jim Royan looked on proudly as his son and undoubtedly best dressed vendor in the ring sold Earlston (E28) which resulted in a pen average of 1250gns per head for the 3 Bennachie ram lambs.
Alistair Morton had a very consistent pen of 4 lambs from the Stobilee flock. Despite the unfortunate position of being drawn in the latter stages of the sale the quality spoke for itself with Ebeneezer Goode (E17) sired by Pembroke Autumn Gold and Edinburgh lad (E6) sired by Dun Eideann Cromwell and both out of homebred ewes, achieving 800gns a piece. Stobilee Exodus (E84) and ET phone home (E1) both went on to sell at 600gns each giving an average of 700gns per head which will no doubt come in handy on the upcoming honeymoon.
Making their May Fair debut Father and son duo, Denis and Declan Rankine of the Dun Eideann flock sold Eric (E1605), a Ballytaggart Digger son out of Bennachie Zora for 800gns, which headed off to Wales with Ilan Hughes of the Dyfi flock. Edison (E1606) sired by Huish U6275 sold to a respectable 500gns, giving an average of 650gns each for the two.
Despite a new breed record being set with overall champion Burhos Drambue, a shearling by Pembroke Cornish Pirate, selling for 6800gns, trade was mixed in general. However the Scottish club was done proud with the excellent quality stock put forward by the 3 well known flocks. A good time was had by all both inside the mart and out. Next on the agenda will be preparations for the annual Scottish dorset breeders’ club sale at United Auctions on 20th July. Entries for this will be opening soon.
Scottish Dorsets 