Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1479 prime lambs at Ayr on Monday to a top of £84 per head and 177.8p per kg to average 154.5p (+16.8p on the week).

There were also 810 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes were between £5 and £10 dearer on the week and sold to £142 for a pen of Texels, while Blackface ewes peaked at £65.

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 2032 store lambs at their weekly sale in Longtown yesterday when averages were dearer on the week, but still fully £5 back on the year. Top prices and averages for selected breeds: Suffolks to a top of £60 and an average of £55.52; Texels £60 and £50.48; Charollais £55.50 and £48.75; Greyface £51 and £43.57.

Wallets Marts sold 1389 prime lambs in Castle Douglas yesterday to a top of £77 per head and 184.6p per kg to average 158.5p (+22.2p on the week).

The firm also had 211 cast sheep forward when all classes, especially fat ewes, were much dearer on the week. Ewes sold to £94.50 for a pen of Texels and £62.50 for Blackfaces.