Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 15 prime heifers at Ayr to a top of 229p per kg and an average of 199.1p, while 4 prime bullocks peaked at 201p and levelled at 190.4p. Six prime bulls sold to 184p (twice) and averaged 171.7p.

In the rough ring cattle were scarce and easily sold with 48 beef cows selling to £1110 per head and averaging 122.6p, while 72 dairy cows peaked at £980 and levelled at 91.6p. Eight bulls sold to £960 and averaged 96.2p.

The firm also had 14 dairy cattle forward that sold to £1150 for a Holstein Friesian heifer and averaged £914.

Auction centres across Scotland have seen the prices for prime lambs slip this week.

Wallets Marts sold 990 prime lambs in Castle Douglas yesterday to a top of £96 per head and 230.5p per kg to average £77.64 and 187.3p (-19.1p on the week, but +38.5p on the corresponding sale last year).

The firm also had 291 cast sheep forward when ewes were dearer on the week selling to £89 for a pen of Texel crosses, £71.50 for Cheviots and £57.50 for Blackfaces.