Texels top 6,000gns at Thainstone Pedigree Rams

Posted: September 22, 2026

Strong averages were achieved and Texels top at 6,000gns at the Thainstone Show and Sale of Pedigree Rams held on Tuesday 22^nd September. The event, sponsored by Harbro and supported by Elanco saw an increased number of 635 pedigree and cross-bred rams sell onto new owners.

The Texel championship was awarded to Robert Wilson, North Dorlaithers Farm, Turriff by the Judge Stephen Sutherland, Sibmister, Thurso for a ram lamb sired by Hilltop Invictus by Hexel High Voltage, which went to sell for the top price of the day 6,000gns to G Morrison, Inchbruich Farm, Cornhill, Banff.

**Texel Champion & Top Price from Robert Wilson, North Dorlaithers Farm, Turriff**

The second top price of the day was paid for a 3^rd prize shearling from R W Blackhall, The Green, Raemoir, Banchory. Sired by Townhead Farm Frank the Tank, he went onto sell to D & I Mackintosh, Kirkton of Kingoldrum, Kirriemuir for 2,800gns.

2,500gns was paid for a ram lamb sired by Milnbank Hollywood, from A M & L Sutherland, Carran, Crosskirk, Forss, which sold to J Cowe, Little Howes, Holm, Orkney.

A shearling from Rodney Blackhall, The Green, was tapped out at 2,300gns, selling to W Barnetson & Sons, Lynegar, Watten, Wick.

The next top price of 2,200gns, was paid for a shearling also from Rodney Blackhall which went onto sell to Ardhuncart Farm, Ardhuncart, Kildrummy, Alford.

2,000gns was achieved six times, first for a shearling from K W Hourston, Skelbister, Orphir, Stromness selling to G A Roberston, Tillyorn Corse, Lumphanan followed by a shearling from Rodney Blackhall, The Green, which sold to Alan J Rae, Mains of Orchardtown, Udny, Ellon.

The next tup to realise 2,000gns was a shearling from Mathew Seed & Son, Home Farm of Auchry, Cuminestown, Turriff, selling to C Stephen & Son, Newton of Greeness, Turriff, followed by a ram lamb from A M & L Sutherland, Carran, selling to G L Stuart, Milltown of Birness, Ellon.

Finally, two ram lambs from SJC Livestock, Sunnyside, Ashfield, Garmouth were tapped out at 2,000gns, first selling to Smallburn Farms, Plewlands, Duffus, Elgin then Mathew Seed, Home Farm of Auchry.

The Reserve award went to the shearling from D J McKerrow, Uppermill Farm, Tarves, Ellon which sold to G A Robertson, Tillyorn Corse, Lumphanan, Banchory for 1,700gns.

In the Suffolk section, a top price of 2,600gns was achieved for the Reserve Champion, a Shearling Ram sired by Pyeston Phoenix from G L Stuart, Milltown of Birness, Ellon, which went on to sell to E M Smith & Son, Towiemore, Keith.

The second top price of 2,000gns was achieved four times, firstly for a Shearling sired by Sitlow Style N Passion from C & K Stuart, Lettoch Farm, Glenlivet, which went on to sell to C Wright, Prony Farm, Ballater.

Judge I Laird of Yeldabrek, Orkney, tapped a Ram Lamb from C G Paterson, Cranna Bridge, Aberchirder, as the Suffolk Champion. The tup, sired by Birness Hot To Go, went on to sell to the judge for the second top price of 2,000gns.

Sharing the second top price, a Ram Lamb from J Young, Muirton, Corse, which placed second in the Pen of 5 Ram Lambs class, sold to A Cruickshank, Newmill, Crathes, Banchory. This was followed by a Ram Lamb from C & M Bruce, Tillyeve, Udny. The tup, sired by Chalmerston Diamond, went on to sell to T A Sands Ltd, Southfield, Inchture, Perthshire.

The third top price of 1,800gns was achieved twice for two Ram Lambs from J Young, Muirton, Corse. The first was the second-place Ram Lamb, sired by Mullaghboy Masterclass, which went on to sell to E M Smith & Son, Towiemore, Keith. This was followed by a tup sired by Salopian Zoolander, which sold to C D Whitton, Corner Cottage, Oathlaw, Forfar.

A Shearling Ram from C & K Stuart, Lettoch Farm, Glenlivet, realised the next top price of 1,800gns. The Shearling, sired by Claycrop Cadillac, went on to sell to C & M Laurenson, Boanyview, Susetter, Voe.

1,500gns was achieved three times for Shearling Rams sired by Sitlow Style N Passion from C & K Stuart, Lettoch Farm, Glenlivet. The first Shearling went on to sell to Mesr J Ross, Ankerville, Nigg Station, Tain, with the third-prize Shearling Ram selling to Smith Croft Ltd, Carinya, Sandwick, and lastly a Shearling sold to C Wright, Prony Farm, Ballater.

Additionally, a top price of 1,500gns was also realised for a Shearling Ram from R & K William, Ranna Farm, Sinnahard, Glenkindie, which went to J Cameron, Balmacaan, Drumnadrochit, Inverness.

In the Bluefaced Leicester section, a top price of 1,600gns was achieved for the second-place Shearling from M Seed & Son, Home Farm of Auchry, Turriff, which went on to sell to Drummuir Home Estate Office, Drummuir, Keith.

Judge Nicol Dow of Upper Sauchen, Ordhead, tapped a Shearling Ram, also from M Seed & Son, Home Farm of Auchry, as the Bluefaced Leicester Champion. The Champion sold for the second top price of 1,100gns to C & K Stuart, Lettoch Farm, Glenlivet. Also realising 1,100gns was the second-place Ram Lamb from S Burnett, Kingswells Croft, Insch, which sold to Drummuir Home Estate Office, Drummuir, Keith.

The Reserve Champion, a Ram Lamb also from S Burnett, Kingswells Croft, went on to achieve the next top price of 1,000gns, selling to Drummuir Home Estate Office. A Shearling Ram from M Seed & Son, Home Farm of Auchry, also realised 1,000gns, selling to W Barnetson & Lynegar, Watten, Wick.

A top price of 1,400gns was realised in the Border Leicester sale for a Shearling Ram from K W Hourston, Skelbister, Orphir, Stromness, which sold to A Miller & Son, Aimster, Thurso. The second top price of 1,350gns was also achieved for a Shearling Ram from K W Hourston, Skelbister, which sold to Morrison & Mu, Hillhead, Birnie, Elgin.

The Border Leicester Champion was awarded to a Ram Lamb from J G Douglas, Woodhead, Cairness, Fraserburgh. The Champion sold for the next top price of 1,200gns to C Finne, Richmondhill House, Blackhills, Peterhead. A Shearling Ram from K W Hourston, Skelbister, also realised 1,200gns, selling to G C Watt & Son, South Byebush, St Katerines, Inverurie.

A price of 1,100gns was achieved twice for Shearling Rams from J G Douglas, Woodhead, Cairness, Fraserburgh. The first was the Border Leicester Reserve Champion, which sold to A Cruickshank, Newmill, Crathes, Banchory, followed by another Shearling which sold to G C Watt & Son, South Byebush, St Katerines, Inverurie.

In the Charollais section, a top price of 1,200gns was realised for a Shearling Ram from Taylor Dalgarno, Clackriach Dairy, Maud, Peterhead, which sold to G R Marshall, Meikle Haddo, Newburgh, Ellon. The second top price of 1,100gns was achieved by a Shearling from H E G Davies, Hillhead of Cannahars, Whitecairns, Aberdeen, which was tapped out by the judge and sold to G A Ingram, East Comalegy, Drumblade, Huntly.

The Charollais Champion, a Ram Lamb from R Davidson, Corsairtly Farm, Keith, sold for 800gns to J & L Shepherd, Cowiehillock, Echt, Westhill. The Reserve Champion, a Ram Lamb from E & E Duncan, Barnyard Farm, Clola, Mintlaw, followed at 700gns, selling to E J Stephen, Netherthird, Rothienorman, Inverurie.

The Beltex section achieved a top price of 1,500gns for a Ram Lamb from S Wood, Broadwater, Skene, Aberdeen, which sold to J & N G Sinclair, Crookston, Herriot. Judge T A Linklater of Stonlea, Orkney, awarded the Beltex Champion to a Shearling Ram from G Ireland, The Mull, Cormalet, Cairnie, which went on to sell for the second top price of 1,300gns to Tommy Linklater, Orkney.

A further two Shearlings, both from G Ireland, The Mull, also realised 1,300gns. The first sold to Ellis & Keir, Cairncoullie, Glenkindie, Alford, followed by the second, which sold to S & F Young, Nether Drumallochie, Glenkindie, Alford.

The Reserve Champion was awarded to a Shearling Ram from S Wood, Broadwater, Skene, which went on to sell for 800gns to G D & M R Poyser, Cummerton, New Aberdour, Fraserburgh.

Blue Texel Rams sold for a top price of 1,200gns, achieved by a Shearling Ram from J Mckilligan, Mains of Newtongarry, Drumblade, Huntly, which sold to J & A Strathdee, North Retannach, Rothiemay, Huntly.

The Blue Texel Champion was awarded to a Shearling from S Wood, Broadwater, Skene, Aberdeen, which sold for the second top price of 900gns to B Findlay, Easter Balgillo, Tannadice, Forfar. The judge also tapped a Ram Lamb from W J & M Hunter, West Cairnhill, Culsalmond, Insch, as the Reserve Champion, which sold for 600gns to C L Sclater, Lorness, Shapinsay, Orkney.

The Cross Bred Champion from S McRobbie, 3 Pirie Road, New Deer, Turriff, topped the Any Other Breeds sale at 2,800gns, selling to Smallburn Farm, Plewlands, Duffus, Elgin.

The Pure Bred Champion from S Wood, Broadwater, Skene, Aberdeen, then sold for 1,000gns to J Eddie & Son, Hallhill, Kinneff, Montrose.

In the Dutch Spotted section, the overall champion was awarded to the 1^st prize gimmer from J Marshall, Fingask Farmhouse, Fingask Farm, Rhynd which went onto sell for the top price of 1,800gns to A J Pirie, Bogallie, Botriphnie, Keith. The reserve champion female went to the ewe lamb from A Paterson & Son, 6 Crossapol, Isle of Tiree. The champion and reserve champion rams, went to two shearlings from E A Eunson, Halley Farm, Deerness, Orkney.

Colin Slessor, Deputy Head of Livestock said: “We have had an excellent day here at Thainstone, with strong averages being achieved for all sections. The Texel and Suffolk breeds had near total clearances with tremendous prices. Other breeds also met a keen demand with a large attendance of buyers from all over the country, with the usual strong support from Caithness, Shetland and Orkney isles.

Our thanks must also go to our sponsors Harbro and Elanco, both helping to make a very successful day.”

Averages: Suffolk – 198 ram lambs, £759.13 (+£55.86) and 40 shearlings, £1,095.94 (+£137.50) Texel – 95 ram lambs, £1,000.82 (+£127.86) and 64 shearlings, £1,319.88 (+£15.25). Charollais – 21 ram lambs, £547.50 (+£37.95) and 16 shearlings, £915.47 (+£97.09). AOB – 24 ram lambs, £780.94 (+£82.83) and 59 shearlings, £858.15 (+£160.04). Border Leicester – 6 ram lambs, £997.50 and 11 shearlings, £959.32. Beltex – 4 ram lambs, £945 (+£17.50) and 29 shearlings, £767.70 (-£30.11). Bluefaced Leicester – 6 ram lambs, £717.50 (+£126.88) and 14 shearlings, £778.50 (+£131). Blue Texel – 3 ram lambs, £472.50 and 5 shearlings, £819 (+£294). Dutch Spotted – 9 ram lambs, £554.17 (+£186.67) and 7 shearlings, £637.50 (+£100.84)

Thainstone Pedigree Ram Show & Sale Prize List 2026

Suffolks  

Judge – I Laird, Yeldabrek, Orkney

Class 1 – Shearling Ram

1^st – Lot 12 G L Stuart, Milltown of Birness, Ellon

2^nd – Lot 32 F Hunter, West Cairnhill, Culsalmond

3^rd – Lot 20 C & K Stuart, Lettoch Farm, Glenlivet

Class 2 – Ram Lamb

1^st – Lot 151 C G Paterson, Cranna Bridge, Aberchirder

2^nd – Lot 176 J Young, Muirton, Corse

3^rd – Lot 94 G L Stuart, Milltown of Birness, Ellon

Class 3 – Pen of 5 Ram Lambs

1^st – Lot 95, 96, 97, 100 & 101 G L Stuart, Milltown of Birness, Ellon

2^nd – Lot 180, 181, 182, 184 & 185 J Young, Muirton, Corse

3^rd – Lot 152, 153, 154, 157 & 167 C G Paterson, Cranna Bridge, Aberchirder

Suffolk Champion

Lot 151 – C G Paterson, Cranna Bridge, Aberchirder

Suffolk Reserve Champion

Lot 12 – G L Stuart, Milltown of Birness, Ellon

Texels

Judge – Steven Sutherland, Sibmister, Thurso

Class 4 – Shearling or Aged Ram 

1^st – Lot 304 D J McKerrow, Uppermill Farm, Tarves 

2^nd – Lot 343 William J Knox, Mid Haddo, Fyvie, Turriff 

3^rd – Lot 360 Rodney W Blackhall, The Green, Raemoir, Banchory 

Class 5 – Ram Lamb 

1^st – Lot 421 Robert H Wilson, North Dorlaithers Farm, Turriff 

2^nd – Lot 486 Kenny Pratt, Oldtown Farm, Peterculter 

3^rd – Lot 473 Jemma Green, Corskie Farm, Garmouth 

Class 6 – Pen of 3 Ram Lambs 

1^st – Lot 428, 429 & 430 Robert H Wilson, North Dorlaithers Farm, Turriff 

2^nd – Lot 477, 478 & 471 Jemma Green, Corskie Farm, Garmouth 

3^rd – Lot 410, 411 & 412 George L Stuart, Milltown of Birness, Ellon 

Class 7 – Best Pen of Shearlings 

1^st – Strathbogie Flock

2^nd – Haddo Flock 

3^rd – Sheeoch Flock

Texel Champion 

Lot 421 – Robert H Wilson, North Dorlaithers Farm, Turriff  

Texel Reserve Champion  

Lot 304 – D J McKerrow, Uppermill Farm, Tarves  

Bluefaced Leicester

Judge – N Dow, Upper Sauchen, Ordhead

Class 8 – Shearling or Aged Ram

1^st – Lot 603 M Seed & Son, Home Farm of Auchry

2^nd – Lot 604 M Seed & Son, Home Farm of Auchry

3^rd – Lot 609 J Cowe, Little Howes

Class 9 – Ram Lamb

1^st – Lot 616 S Burnett, Kingswells Croft

2^nd – Lot 617 S Burnett, Kingswells Croft

3^rd – Lot 618 S Burnett, Kingswells Croft

Bluefaced Leicester Champion

Lot 603 – M Seed & Son, Home Farm of Auchry

Bluefaced Leicester Reserve Champion

Lot 616 – S Burnett, Kingswells Croft

Border Leicester

Judge – N Dow, Upper Sauchen, Ordhead

Class 10 – Shearling or Aged Ram

1^st – Lot 625 Mr. J.G. Douglas, Woodhead

2^nd – Lot 622 Mr. K. W. Hourston, Skelbister

3^rd – Lot 623 Mr. K. W. Hourston, Skelbister

Class 11 – Ram Lamb

1^st – Lot 633 Mr. J.G. Douglas, Woodhead

2^nd – Lot 635 Mr. J.G. Douglas, Woodhead

3^rd – Lot 638 Mr Richard J Groat Bishopburn

Class 12 – Pen of 3 Ram Lambs

Lot 632, 634 &637 – J Douglass, Woodhead, Cairness

Border Leicester Champion

Lot 633 – Mr. J.G. Douglas, Woodhead

Border Leicester Reserve Champion

Lot 625 – Mr. J.G. Douglas, Woodhead

Charollais

Judge –N Dow, Upper Sauchen, Ordhead

Class 13 – Shearling or Aged Ram

1^st – Lot 645 Mr Taylor Dalgarno, Clackriach

2^nd – Lot 639 Mr Taylor Dalgarno, Clackriach

3^rd – Lot 646 Misses Eilidh & Erin Duncan, Barnyards

Class 14 – Ram Lamb

1^st – Lot 662 Mr R Davidson, Corsairtly

2^nd – Lot 675 Misses Eilidh & Erin Duncan, Barnyards

3^rd – Lot 663 Mr R Davidson, Corsairtly

Charollais Champion

Lot 662 – Mr R Davidson, Corsairtly

Charollais Reserve Champion

Lot 675 – Misses Eilidh & Erin Duncan, Barnyards

Beltex Sheep

Judge – T A Linklater, Stonlea, Orkney

Class 15 – Shearling or Aged Ram

1^st – Lot 737 G Ireland, The Mull

2^nd – Lot 711 S Wood, Broadwater

3^rd – Lot 733 G Dinnie, Bridgeview

Class 16 – Ram Lamb

1^st – Lot to 768 from E Sutherland Maisley

Beltex Sheep Champion

Lot 737 – G Ireland, The Mull

Beltex Sheep Reserve Champion

Lot 711 – S Wood, Broadwater

Blue Texel Sheep

Judge – T A Linklater, Stonlea, Orkney

Class 17 – Shearling or Aged Ram

1^st – Lot 781 S Wood, Broadwater

2^nd – Lot 772 J Mckilligan, Mains of Newtongarry

3^rd – Lot 778 Kevin Mackay, Smithy House

Class 18 – Ram Lamb

1^st – Lot 786 W & J M Hunter, West Cairnhill

2^nd – Lot 785 W & J M Hunter, West Cairnhill

3^rd – Lot 792 G & L Troup, Corrennie

Blue Texel Champion

Lot 781 – S Wood, Broadwater

Blue Texel Reserve Champion

Lot 786 – W & J M Hunter, West Cairnhill

Any Other Pure Bred

Class 19a – Shearling or Aged Ram

1st – Lot 762 S Wood, Broadwater

2nd – Lot 763 S Wood, Broadwater

3rd – Lot 764 S Wood, Broadwater

Class 20a – Ram Lamb

1st – Lot 807 P Imlah, 2 Wood Cottages

2nd – Lot 812 D J Rankine, 18 Kenilworth Terrace

3rd – Lot 809 P Imlah, 2 Wood Cottages

Any Other Pure Bred Champion

Lot 762 – S Wood, Broadwater

Any Other Pure Bred Reserve Champion

Lot 807 – P Imlah, 2 Wood Cottages

Any Other Cross Bred

Class 19b – Shearling or Aged Ram

1^st – Lot 827 S J Livestock, 3 Pirie Road

2^nd – Lot 852 Drumnies Blues, Drumnahive

3^rd – Lot 841 C & K Stuart, Lettoch Farm

Class 20b – Ram Lamb

1^st – Lot 899 J Scott, 5 East Ingliston

2^nd – Lot 884 A J & A R Benzie, Meikle, Whiterashes

3^rd – Lot 886 A J & A R Benzie, Meikle, Whiterashes

Cross Bred Champion

Lot 827 – S J Livestock, 3 Pirie Road

Cross Bred Reserve Champion

Lot 852 – Drumnies Blues, Drumnahive

Dutch Spotted Sheep

Judge – E Hortin, Waverton House, Carlisle

Class 21 – Shearling or Aged Ram

1^st – Lot 907 E Spence, Halley

2^nd – Lot 908 E Spence, Halley

3^rd – Lot 905 Mr M & Mrs J Simpson, Tardoes

Class 22 – Ram Lamb

1^st – Lot 925 C & I Mallarkey, Airdlin

2^nd – Lot 926 C & I Mallarkey, Airdlin

3^rd – Lot 929 Mrs L E Troup, Laurelle

Dutch Spotted Champion Ram

Lot 907 – E Spence, Halley

Dutch Spotted Reserve Champion Ram

Lot 908 – E Spence, Halley

Class 23 – Ewe

1^st – Lot 940 Mr M & Mrs J Simpson, Tardoes

2^nd – Lot 939 Mr M & Mrs J Simpson, Tardoes

3^rd – Lot 941 Mr M & Mrs J Simpson, Tardoes

Class 24 – Gimmer

1^st – Lot 951 J Marshall, Struie

2^nd – Lot 950 Mr M & Mrs J Simpson, Tardoes

3^rd – Lot 944 B Scott, Speyside

Class 25 – Ewe Lamb

1^st – Lot 958 A Paterson & T Batchelor, Crosabol

2^nd – Lot 957 A Paterson & T Batchelor, Crosabol

3^rd – Lot 965 B Scott, Speyside

Dutch Spotted Champion Female

Lot 951 – J Marshall, Struie

Dutch Spotted Reserve Champion Female

Lot 958 – A Paterson & T Batchelor, Crosabol

Overall Dutch Spotted Champion

Lot 951 – J Marshall, Struie

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