STRONG TRADE AT SALTIRE SIMMENTAL REDUCTION TOPS AT 4800GNS

The Saltire Simmental herd of J. & G. Houliston, Drem, East Lothian has been a familiar name in pedigree and commercial circles since its establishment in the early 2000s. Built on the use of top AI sires, the herd has not only achieved regular five-figure bull sales but also produced genetics that have spread into some of the leading Simmental herds across the UK and Ireland. Success has followed in both sale and show rings, with highlights including the record-breaking top-priced Simmental bull sired by Saltire Jaguar and the continued influence of Saltire Impressive, a bull whose name remains synonymous with quality. With cow numbers having grown steadily in recent years, the family made the decision to reduce herd size for management reasons.

The result was a select offering of breeding females, some with calves at foot, which came before United Auctions ring at Stirling on Saturday 13 September 2025. Two cows with calves at foot topped at 4,800gns and an average of £4,883, while four maiden heifers peaked at 3,800gns to an average of £3465.

4800gns Saltire Murron & Saltire Sophie

McLaren & Partners, Dargill, Crieff, had to bid to 4,800gns, to secure a stylish female Saltire Murron AI, a rising young cow born in July 2021, came forward as an attractive outfit with her March-born heifer calf at foot. She is by Team Celtic 11, himself a son of the noted Auchorachan Winger, and out of Saltire Galaxy, a daughter of the influential Kilbride Farm Dragoon. Her calf at foot Saltire Sophie, born in March 2025 was sired by Roma Legend 20. Her performance figures underline her quality and growth credentials, complemented by a solid milk figure of +13.

4500gns Saltire Kitty & Saltire Sally 2nd

Close behind was another cow and calf combination at 4,500gns, secured by Baird & Son, Mid Gallowhill, Blairgowrie. Saltire Kitty AI, born in April 2019, is a proven brood cow with depth of breeding and a strong track record of production. She is sired by Woodhall Ferrari 14, a son of Raceview All-Star, and out of Saltire Valerie – a female going back to the noted Saltire Primrose line. She sold with her calf at foot, Saltire Sally 2nd, a March 2025-born heifer by Roma Legend 20.

3800gns Saltire Ripple

Saltire Ripple (Lot 6) led the way in the heifer section at 3,800gns, selling to O. J. & J. M. Barker, Easter Yardhouses, Carnwath. Born in May 2024 she is a smart young heifer sired by the stylish Roma Legend 20 (by Islavale Frontier) and out of Saltire Galaxy, a proven daughter of Kilbride Farm Dragoon. This combination brings together modern performance bloodlines with the depth and consistency of established Saltire cow families, making Ripple an appealing prospect for future breeding. Other notable purchases included a January 2024-born heifer, Saltire Roxy is by the homebred sire Saltire Nighthawk 22, a son of Woodhall Ferrari 14, and out of Saltire Kitty, herself from the proven Saltire Valerie family. This smart young female combines two strong Saltire cow lines with Ferrari influence on both sides of her pedigree, at 3,200gns she headed to T. L. Stirling, Auchterblair, Carrbridge along with Saltire Rosemary at 3,000gns.

Completing the purchases for the McLarens was January 2024 born, Saltire Ruby a well-bred heifer by Roma Legend 20 (sired by Islavale Frontier) and out of Saltire Imogen, a daughter of the Curaheen Bandit line.

SALE PRICES
Lot No. (gns) (£) Buyer
1 4500 4725 W BAIRD & SON
2 4800 5040 J C MCLAREN & PARTNERS
3 3200 3360 T L STIRLING
4 3200 3360 J C MCLAREN & PARTNERS
5 3000 3150 T L STIRLING
6 3800 3990 O J & J M BARKER