World’s largest rams sale overcomes virus challenge
Last updated 11th Sep 2025
Crowds are flocking to the Scottish Borders for the biggest one-day ram sales in the world.
Almost 4,000 are set to go under the hammer at the Border Union Agricultural Society's showground at Springwood Park in Kelso on Friday.
Despite movement restrictions as a result of the blue tongue virus, entries are up five per cent on last year
Laurence Laing, whose family have traded at the event since as far back as 1937, has been invited to get proceedings underway, with the traditional ringing of the bell at 10am.
His grandfather, James Laing, established the Oxmuir Suffolk flock in 1935, and the family business continues to thrive.
Vicky Laing, Laurence’s daughter-in-law, said: “For the Laings, Suffolk sheep are a family affair, with Laurence’s grandchildren 'helping' out in the lambing shed and joining Laurence in the ring at Kelso Ram Sales since they could walk.
"The Oxmuir Suffolk flock is the oldest pedigree Suffolk flock in Scotland, 90 years and still going strong!"
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Almost £4 million changed hands last year, with the top price for a Texel shearling from Gordon and David Gray’s Ettrick flock selling for the top price of £35,000; although that was short of the £65,000 paid in 2021.
Dan Withall, Border Union executive director, said: “Despite the concerns with the Bluetongue virus and restrictions zones in place in England we continue to see consigners determined to offer the best of their rams to the sale.
“We look forward to seeing the cream of the UK’s Tups from as far afield as Devon, Wales, Cumbria, Northumberland and Northern Ireland; complemented by Scottish stock from Orkney, Islay, Aberdeenshire, Ayrshire and good numbers from the Scottish Borders.”
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The sale offers 16 breeds spread across 15 covered sale rings, including 419 Bluefaced Leicester’s, over one thousand Suffolks and 1,388 Texels.
It also now includes some rarer breeds such as the Hampshire and Oxford and Hampshire Downs and for the first time Easycare tups.
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David Neill, chairman of the Border Union Ram Sales Committee, said: “The Kelso Ram Sales, despite challenges in the industry, continues to deliver the best of stock, well deserving of its reputation as the premier sale of rams in the country.
“2025 entries are up and we are encouraged see the names on this year’s ballot of the UK’s most renowned and reliable breeders.
“The Kelso Ram Sales are an important day for the industry and the economy of the Scottish Borders. We look forward to a confident sale with a high average.”
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