A ONE-OFF dispersal sheep sale will take place this week of a key Borders Suffolk flock.

The sale of Soutra Suffolks, a flock established 30 years ago by Messrs S&G Sutherland of New Channel Kirk, Oxton, will feature a total of 90 registered lots.

Going under the hammer will be 36 ewes, 27 gimmers, 26 ewe lambs and 1 stock ram.

The sale on behalf of Sandy Sutherland will take place at Newtown St Boswells Auction Mart on Friday.

On farm pre-sale viewing days of the flock will take place on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 noon until 6pm.

Scott Donaldson, sales director and auctioneer for Harrison Hetherington said: “We are delighted that the Sutherland family have chosen to disperse of their flock at Newtown St Boswells Auction Mart.

“The Soutra Flock is well-known and well respected, for producing a tremendous pen of Suffolk shearling rams for the Kelso sales and he has the enviable reputation of attracting many regular repeat customers from across the UK.

“Sandy has concentrated on breeding sheep which meet market demands.

"Without a doubt this sale provides a great opportunity for anyone wishing to establish a flock or looking to improve the genetics of their existing flock, as the sheep have the breed characteristics and qualities required for today’s market.“

The Soutra Flock was established in 1986 with the purchase of in-lamb gimmers from prominent flocks such as Muiresk, Bartlehill, Lauderdale and Barrons.

No females have been bought since apart from three at the Bridgepark reduction.

The 63 ewes and gimmers being sold are in-lamb to four notable sires, Muirton Milford, a son of Solwaybank Pound Stretcher out of a ewe by Devronside Mountroyal purchased at Stirling in 2015.

Roseden Gold Medal purchased at the National Sales for £4000, where he was placed first in the recorded class, Capielaw Majestic a Forkins Fire Starter son and Capielaw Smasher who won 2nd prize aged ram at the RHS.

From the outset Sandy’s aim for his Soutra Flock was to produce well grown easy fleshed shearlings to sell at Kelso Ram Sale. He has always taken care to avoid too much bone and has placed importance on good skin and hair to encourage repeat buyers who produce Suffolk cross ewe lambs.

The flock had a best average of £847 at Kelso in 2014 with a top price of £2200 the same year. Ease of lambing, milking ability and females which look female, have all been important principals on the female side.

Over the years sires from the Lauderdale, Heriot, Sitlow and Templand flocks have been influential and left their stamp on the flock.

Recently Sitlow Surefire, a Muiresk Mckelvey son has been very successful, breeding sons to £2200 as well as winning many shows. Strathisla Sign Off, the latest influential sire, has bred many sons over £1000 including Soutra Senator which was a multiple show winner and second in the presale show at Kelso Ram sale 2016 before selling for £2000.