0:00:03 > 0:00:06Farming is a risky business.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08350? 380?
0:00:08 > 0:00:11When it is time to make money, the stakes are high.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Thainstone Mart, one of Europe's biggest livestock markets.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Sheep, cattle and machinery
0:00:22 > 0:00:25auctioned to the highest bidder, day in and day out.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Farmers spend months getting ready for their big sales day.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35With livelihoods on the line,
0:00:35 > 0:00:37their animals have to look just right.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40This is the thing that puts the food on the table.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Of course I am nervous.
0:00:42 > 0:00:43SHE LAUGHS
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Fortunes can be made and dreams can be dashed.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50All in the blink of an eye.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52It is just another day at work.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53Welcome to The Mart.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03It is autumn at Thainstone, and in today's programme...
0:01:04 > 0:01:09..young Ryan needs a new car and he's got a cow and calf to sell.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13It is down to auctioneer John to get him the cash.
0:01:13 > 0:01:14The pressure is on again.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16There's not a day without the pressure on.
0:01:16 > 0:01:17You will enjoy the pressure.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20There's a crisis in the kitchen when a deep fat fryer fails
0:01:20 > 0:01:25with lunch just minutes away and roasties in hot demand.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27Farmers like their traditional roast beef.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30It has got to have roast potatoes with it.
0:01:30 > 0:01:31It's carnage if they don't get it.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33900.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35And Charlie auctions everything off the farm
0:01:35 > 0:01:39for two brothers retiring after 50 years.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41She was running like a sewing machine this morning.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45But their trusty tractor lets them down just when they need it most.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48ENGINE SPLUTTERS
0:01:50 > 0:01:55Early morning and The Mart is off and running.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57Calves are rounded up from the Mart farm
0:01:57 > 0:01:59to be taken down to the auction rings.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05The cleaning team make sure the pens look spick and span...
0:02:05 > 0:02:08and auctioneers Colin Slessor and Finlay McIntyre
0:02:08 > 0:02:10sort the sheep about to go under the hammer.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14They all come off the lorries all mixed, you see,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16so just shed them off.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18You can see they're all clearly marked.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Just get them in their pens and ready for sale.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24A place for everything and everything in its place.
0:02:24 > 0:02:25We will get there eventually.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29Some big good ewes here, some pure Cheviots.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Finlay gets very emotional when he sees a pure Cheviot.
0:02:32 > 0:02:33His heart skips a beat.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Everything else is a cheap imitation.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43But the Mart isn't just about buying and selling.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45It is also the centre of the community
0:02:45 > 0:02:48for farmers from far and wide.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51While breakfast fry ups are finished off in the canteen,
0:02:51 > 0:02:55in the kitchen, the chefs are already prepping lunch for 900.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- Right, John. How's things? Organised?- Organised now.
0:02:59 > 0:03:00Yeah? Good man.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Tom Cuthbert is head chef.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05The Mart itself is quite a social place to be.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08It is a busy...pub atmosphere.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Go half-and-half. Go steamed potatoes, the wee tiddley poms.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Tom has been a head chef for ten years.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17I love it, I absolutely love it.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20I mean, it is a day that is full of challenges. Every day is diffident.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23We have got lots of good staff, it is fantastic.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Lunch starts at 11, and with just minutes to go,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Tom has a crisis on his hands.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32We are just down to the one fryer. That other one is no' working.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34His fellow chef, John Keith,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38has just discovered one of the two deep fat fryers is faulty.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42It was on this morning, but it has actually just switched itsel' off.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45I have been trying to get it to light, but it wouldn't light,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47so I have got the chef to do it for me.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51We're probably going to be doing
0:03:51 > 0:03:53about 300 portions in roast potatoes today,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56which might prove a bit of a challenge.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01No. Not working.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04I'm going to have to get an engineer out.
0:04:04 > 0:04:05As well as the roasties,
0:04:05 > 0:04:09Tom's team needs to fry up 600 portions of chips.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11One fryer will not suffice.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Farmers like their traditional roast beef.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17It has got to have roast potatoes with it.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19It's carnage if they don't get it.
0:04:24 > 0:04:2620 miles away near Turriff,
0:04:26 > 0:04:30two farmers are hanging up their overalls for the last time.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Brothers Cameron and Gordon Elphinstone
0:04:33 > 0:04:35have worked their 180-acre family farm
0:04:35 > 0:04:38for over 50 years.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41But none of the next-generation fancy farming,
0:04:41 > 0:04:44so the brothers are calling it a day and cashing in.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49It will be exciting, but it will be sad to see, I think, going.
0:04:49 > 0:04:55Aye, it is different with it empty at this time of the year, like.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59The brothers have already sold their land and cattle.
0:04:59 > 0:05:00How are we doing, there, boys?
0:05:00 > 0:05:03All that is left now is for Mart man Charlie Morrison
0:05:03 > 0:05:07to sell off everything else in a special auction known as a roup.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11You've looked after her well.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15A 39-year-old combine harvester has caught his eye.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19You will go along way before I can show you combine looking so well.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21She is fresh, she is nae rusty.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26A good total at the roup is vital for the brothers' retirement.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Lucky for them, Charlie has 40 years auctioning experience.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34She is just looking like new, boys.
0:05:34 > 0:05:362001?
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Looking pristine. I could go in for her.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42There is also half a century's worth of kit to sell off.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45You have spares and tools.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Even have a paraffin microwave.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53Whatever you two lads may think, it's nae rubbish, it is good stuff.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56You will easily find a home for this stuff.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59You can see the machinery here today,
0:05:59 > 0:06:00how well it has been kept,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03how well the steading is looking -
0:06:03 > 0:06:06that reflects a dedication.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11Now, a roup is the end of that.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13So it is a tremendous honour.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15It is a humbling sort of feeling.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Meanwhile, back at the Mart,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25the precious potatoes are proving popular.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Can I have some roast tatties, please, John?
0:06:27 > 0:06:29I can only do one at a time.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33The kitchen team is struggling to keep up with only one fryer.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36If we don't get them out, the customers complain.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Everything has got to be out. No waiting, out.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Luckily, Tom has had a flash of inspiration.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45We have a new fryer that was going to get installed
0:06:45 > 0:06:47for the large events.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48We have literally just brought that up.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50We will plug that in, get the gas going through it,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53and that'll do for the solution for the roast potatoes.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Suddenly there is light at the end of the tunnel.
0:07:00 > 0:07:01We are OK.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03These guys that are in the queue at the moment,
0:07:03 > 0:07:05take two or three minutes and they will be gone.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07So we're OK. We are fine.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Damn fine tatties.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21A new day, and it's a big one for the Elphinstone brothers.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Their neighbours have come to pay their respects
0:07:24 > 0:07:26to two lifetimes of farming...
0:07:26 > 0:07:30and get a few bargains out of auctioneer Charlie in the process.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34If one can be quite jovial, it does help.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36So long as there is plenty folk here,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39that is what makes the atmosphere.
0:07:39 > 0:07:40Right, then.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Charlie starts with the small stuff.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Box of pins. Yes?
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Take five for £1 for it.
0:07:47 > 0:07:481 bid, 1...
0:07:51 > 0:07:52Two bid, 2...
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Bid, I'm at 3.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56I'm at 4. 5. 6. 7.
0:07:56 > 0:07:588. 9.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00£9. £9.
0:08:00 > 0:08:029 away. £9.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Number, Raymond.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Next up, the combine harvester.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10The brothers are hoping for £3,000.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Wind her up and she'll go for hours.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15ENGINE TURNS OVER
0:08:15 > 0:08:17It's a BMW.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Now, as you can see, she runs like a sewing machine.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25There's hardly been a wrong beat since you've had her, Gordy.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27What will I get for her?
0:08:27 > 0:08:294,000?
0:08:33 > 0:08:342,000.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37Thank you, sir.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40A lot of combines half her age are not so fresh as this.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42At 2,000 bid. 2,200.
0:08:42 > 0:08:432,500.
0:08:43 > 0:08:452,800.
0:08:45 > 0:08:463,000.
0:08:46 > 0:08:473,200.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Go on! 3,800. No, 3,500.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53THEY LAUGH
0:08:53 > 0:08:563,500. 3,500.
0:08:56 > 0:08:583,800.
0:08:58 > 0:09:004,000!
0:09:00 > 0:09:024,000 bid.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Gordon, does it make it any better
0:09:04 > 0:09:07if I tell you she's going to a good home?
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Makes all the difference, Gordon says. 4,000.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13At 4,000 once. 4,000 twice.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19My third and last at 4,000.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Williamson...
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Charlie has managed to secure £1,000 more
0:09:24 > 0:09:27than Cameron and Gordon expected.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30He's good. He's good. He's...
0:09:30 > 0:09:32I suppose I could say unique.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40But the big-ticket items are the brothers' trusty tractors.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44They want £15,000 for them. Can Charlie deliver?
0:09:50 > 0:09:5220 miles away near Keith,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55another pair of farming brothers have a busy day ahead.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Graham and Colin Smith have enlisted Graham's son Ryan
0:10:00 > 0:10:02to help round up calves for a makeover
0:10:02 > 0:10:04as it appears a big cattle sale.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Just taking off the long hairs.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Off the... Along the side here and down on the belly as well.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19I have offered to do my wife's hair, but she wouldn't let me.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23It would be far cheaper.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Graham and Colin have spent their entire lives working on this farm.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30They had to start young.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33My father died when I was two, was it?
0:10:33 > 0:10:35I just grew up with...
0:10:35 > 0:10:39Well, no father to guide to me along.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Colin is a bit older than me.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45He was kind of holding the fort, as such.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47When their dad died 50 years ago,
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Colin became head of the family at the age of 10.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I didn't know what I was doing half the time.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55We had a couple of good neighbours at the time.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00If you asked them for their opinion, they would have come along helped.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03But other ones just used to look over the fence and say,
0:11:03 > 0:11:05"That is a laddie who will never make it."
0:11:08 > 0:11:10But the brothers did make it.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Their farm is flourishing with 2,000 sheep and 260 cattle.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20We do argue a lot, we have a difference of opinions.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22But we never let it linger.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27The Smith brothers are getting ready for a sale next week.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29They are selling heifers with calves at foot,
0:11:29 > 0:11:34that is the three-month-old calves sold with their mothers as a pair.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Morning, guys. How are you doing today?
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Mart auctioneer, John Angus, has come to check them out.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42I will come in and have a look at the anyway.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Nice, high gate you've got here, guys.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- Keep folk out.- Aye, keep folk out, like me.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Cracking heifer, cracking calf.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Graham is going to let Ryan keep the proceeds from one pair
0:11:57 > 0:12:00as a reward for all his hard work on the farm.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Ryan, what's your favourites in here now?
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Have you favourite in amongst them?
0:12:04 > 0:12:07That 129, the big, rangy heifer.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12The Smiths want to average £2,500 for each pair.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15This is your reward, because you have had a lot of sleepless nights
0:12:15 > 0:12:18getting them calved, so this is your payday.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21The pressure is on again. There's not a day without the pressure on.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23You will enjoy the pressure.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25If the sale was going well, it is a delight.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32But for now, the pressure is on Charlie back at the roup.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36He is about to sell the first of the two tractors.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39ENGINE SPLUTTERS
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Just give her a tickle.
0:12:43 > 0:12:44We've plenty time.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50She was running like a sewing machine this morning.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Honestly, though, she's a rare starter thing, this.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56It's all this folk. She's a wee touch of stage fright.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00What do I get for her? 3,000?
0:13:00 > 0:13:032. 2,600. 2,800. 3,000.
0:13:03 > 0:13:053,200. 3,400.
0:13:05 > 0:13:073,600. 3,800.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08At 3,800.
0:13:08 > 0:13:113,800.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16It's an awfully untidy figure. 3,800.
0:13:17 > 0:13:203,900.
0:13:20 > 0:13:234,000.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Now we're talking. 4,000.
0:13:25 > 0:13:274,000 once.
0:13:28 > 0:13:304,000 twice.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Very last at 4,000. Yes, sir.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36A top price for a tractor that doesn't start.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42So what will Charlie get the brothers' favourite tractor?
0:13:42 > 0:13:43The last sale of the day.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46They will be delighted with anything over £12,000.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49There's more chance of that if it works.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55ENGINE TURNS OVER
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Well shown, well maintained and purring like a pussy cat again.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02What will I get for her?
0:14:02 > 0:14:0320,000.
0:14:03 > 0:14:0415,000.
0:14:04 > 0:14:0512,000.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14I could hear a pin drop.
0:14:14 > 0:14:1510 and let me away, eh?
0:14:15 > 0:14:1810 bid. 11. 12...
0:14:18 > 0:14:24Charlie works the bidding up to 14,000, but he still wants more.
0:14:26 > 0:14:2814,100.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Can I ask, boys, who'll tak it awa'?
0:14:30 > 0:14:32You've turned out fine, but this is disappointing.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Well, I ken my men are going to be
0:14:34 > 0:14:36very, very disappointed with this.
0:14:36 > 0:14:3814,100. 14,200.
0:14:38 > 0:14:403.
0:14:40 > 0:14:414.
0:14:41 > 0:14:4314,400.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Well, the hammer is up.
0:14:45 > 0:14:4814,400.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Well, boys, have I anything else to sell?
0:14:50 > 0:14:51Nope, that is the lot.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Thank you very much indeed.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58Charlie has secured over £40,000 for the Elphinstone brothers today.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Something to keep the wolf from the door in the years to come.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Gentlemen.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08You've made a good job, Charlie.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure doing your roup.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15It is just the end of an era here.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18I think... I think they will enjoy their retirement.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Customers travel to the Mart from all over Britain.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31In the windswept Shetland Islands,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Kevin Rennie is rounding up lambs
0:15:33 > 0:15:35to take to Aberdeen on the overnight ferry.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Well, I'm hoping that there might be something to be sold there
0:15:40 > 0:15:42that folk are looking and thinking, "That's good animals."
0:15:42 > 0:15:44You get that enjoyment out of that,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46putting something through the ring or selling it to somebody
0:15:46 > 0:15:48who is going to appreciate what they are buying.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Because of the tough climate, it is hard for Shetland farmers
0:15:51 > 0:15:54to grow enough fodder to feed their animals over the winter,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57leading to higher costs for Kevin and his wife Alison.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03You have to pay extra for bringing up fodder, hay, straw.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Everything is more expensive than on the mainland.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08So when we come to sell lambs,
0:16:08 > 0:16:12obviously we would like to get a bigger profit margin.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Kevin crosses Shetland sheep with Lowland breeds
0:16:15 > 0:16:19to create a fatter lamb, which he hopes will be worth more money.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23£55 and £65 for your big crossbreed lambs, like, you know,
0:16:23 > 0:16:28that's the sort of prices that you really need to be keeping it at.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Sheep loaded up, next destination - Thainstone.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Back in Aberdeenshire, it is 7am,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45and the Smith family is about to set off
0:16:45 > 0:16:48for the Mart's calves-at-foot sale.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50It's Graham's 53rd birthday.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54He hopes to have something to celebrate.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Nervous. Nervous. Always nervous before sale day.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00You are kind of hyped up before the sale.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04And once the sale is finished, you kind of come down off your high.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06You will be tired tonight.
0:17:06 > 0:17:07You will be ready for a dram.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12The mothers are loaded up first,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15and they are not happy to leave their calves behind.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17DISGRUNTLED MOOING
0:17:17 > 0:17:20But their little ones soon follow.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23They will travel in a separate section to their mums.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Graham has just found out the result of the ballot
0:17:27 > 0:17:30which determines the order of the sale.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34The first main lot, so a bit optimistic.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Sometimes it can be dearer to start the sale
0:17:36 > 0:17:39or sometimes it can be dealer to end the sale,
0:17:39 > 0:17:40it just depends.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Hopefully we will set the trade.
0:17:48 > 0:17:49Over at Thainstone,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Kevin and Alison Rennie have made the long journey down
0:17:52 > 0:17:54from the Shetland Islands.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Their sheep sale is minutes away.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Good morning. How are you today?
0:17:58 > 0:18:00It will be up to Finlay to get them the money they need
0:18:00 > 0:18:02to buy fodder over the winter.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04This is your lambs here? They are looking well.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06The sheep were slow for grass, the cattle...
0:18:06 > 0:18:07Everything was slow getting onto the grass.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- A lot of extra feed. - Aye, that is exactly right.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- A lot of extra pennies. - A challenging year, I know.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- So you have never been here before, Alison?- No, this is my first time.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18It is really good to see what happens at the sale
0:18:18 > 0:18:19and before a sale and that.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- I would definitely like to come back.- Aye, that is good to hear.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- I've not got the sheep sold yet. - THEY LAUGH
0:18:24 > 0:18:26We will do our best for you anyway.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27That's good, yes.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29I hope to see you again.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33The sale starts. The Rennies' sheep will be sold second.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39As long as they do a good trade.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41If they are looking well and they sell good for the day,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43I will be happy with that.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Their first pen enters the ring.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50Now it's Finlay's job to get Kevin and Alison
0:18:50 > 0:18:53the £50-a-head they are hoping for.
0:18:53 > 0:18:5540 bid. 1. 42. 42 I'm bid.
0:18:55 > 0:18:5643 I'm bid.
0:18:56 > 0:18:5943, 44, 45. 6. 7.
0:18:59 > 0:19:0148. 9. 50.
0:19:01 > 0:19:02Do it again. 1.
0:19:02 > 0:19:042. 52 I'm bid.
0:19:04 > 0:19:073. 53 I'm bid.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12All done at 53. I'm done at 53. Away they go at 53.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15The Rennies' other pens do well too.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18In total, they make £1,845.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Thanks for that.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22The best you can ask for is that the lambs look good on the day
0:19:22 > 0:19:23and they sell well on the day.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26It's good seeing it all going through. Yes.
0:19:26 > 0:19:27Hopefully that's enough.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31That will maybe pay for a load of hay,
0:19:31 > 0:19:33so that'll be something up the road.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37Kevin and Alison's 500 mile round trip has been a success.
0:19:43 > 0:19:44Just round the corner,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47the Mart's exchange building is being transformed
0:19:47 > 0:19:48from a car auction room
0:19:48 > 0:19:52into a super-sized restaurant for a big event to raise money
0:19:52 > 0:19:57for a local charity close to the hearts of the Mart's community.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01As usual, Tom has a lot on his mind.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03There are so many different stages to it.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06So many different food safety and health and safety aspects
0:20:06 > 0:20:09to the whole thing as well.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12The fact that we are in a semi-temporary kitchen
0:20:12 > 0:20:13brings its own challenges as well.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16We are moving fridges in, we are moving cookers in,
0:20:16 > 0:20:18we are moving even stands.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19All these things have got to be in place.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Have you tested that oven?
0:20:21 > 0:20:23All done.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28Over 300 people are expected to attend the black-tie ball.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30We'll get him back here ASAP,
0:20:30 > 0:20:32because he is struggling for time today, OK?
0:20:32 > 0:20:35General manager Graham Fryers will be running the show,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38and he already has a problem to contend with.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41We have had an issue with power, so it is tripping,
0:20:41 > 0:20:43so now we have to go and replace an oven.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Who says nothing ever goes wrong?
0:20:47 > 0:20:49With one of the Mart's biggest nights of the year looming,
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Graham has a lot on his plate.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00In the pens, the Smiths have just arrived for the calves-at-foot sale.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Ryan is going to help pair the cattle up.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Mums are over there, heifers are over there in a pen,
0:21:05 > 0:21:07the calves are in here.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09We are just taking each heifer out into here
0:21:09 > 0:21:11and getting the calves down with their mothers.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14It is surprising. Just, all of a sudden,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16as soon as they are matched up with their mothers,
0:21:16 > 0:21:18the noise just disappears.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Graham thinks Ryan has what it takes
0:21:22 > 0:21:24to run the family farm himself one day.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Choosing which pair to sell
0:21:27 > 0:21:31will be valuable experience for the youngster.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32I am proud of Ryan, aye.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35He sticks it in, he works seven days a week, usually,
0:21:35 > 0:21:37and just has a Saturday night out now and again.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40He doesnae go out a lot. He just kind of works all the time.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43So it is fine to give him a fine bonus.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47I think he was wanting to swap his car this year, so it will be nice.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49When it comes to your heifer going through the ring,
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- will you come up beside me in the box?- I would, yes, aye.
0:21:53 > 0:21:54Hopefully everyone will say,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57"Oh, look at this poor, young lad. He'll need a help in life."
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- Hopefully the bidders will... - Maybe wave a bit more, aye.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Before the auction, there is a show in the pens,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07and three of the Smiths' pairs win rosettes.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13But Ryan decides to gamble and chooses a pair that came third.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17The judge's opinion is only one opinion.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21I'm hopeful that there will be a couple of buyers looking for her,
0:22:21 > 0:22:23so hopefully they like her as much as I do.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29He's hoping for £2,800 towards his car fund.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31You are never sure what you're going to get
0:22:31 > 0:22:33till the first one is sold, so...
0:22:33 > 0:22:35We will see what happens, yep.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41But the auction gets off to a bad start.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45The bidding for another farmer's pair is so low they go unsold.
0:22:45 > 0:22:491,900. Well, we'll leave them meantime.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Ryan is next up. His hopes for 2,800 may be overambitious.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01We'll start off with Ryan's one here. This belongs to Ryan.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04There is some heifer there with a male calf.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Out in the grass field last night.
0:23:06 > 0:23:082,500 bid.
0:23:08 > 0:23:092,550.
0:23:09 > 0:23:132,550, that's some heifer.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14At 2,550 bid.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16You want to top 6.
0:23:16 > 0:23:182,650.
0:23:18 > 0:23:217. 2,700, that's some heifer, come on, now.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Ryan's one. 50.
0:23:24 > 0:23:262,750. 2,750 bid.
0:23:26 > 0:23:292,750 bid.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30At 8. 2,800.
0:23:30 > 0:23:322,800.
0:23:32 > 0:23:352,800. 2,800, some heifer.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Help the young man, yes.
0:23:37 > 0:23:382,800 bid.
0:23:38 > 0:23:412,800. 2,800. You finished, then?
0:23:41 > 0:23:442,850.
0:23:44 > 0:23:462,850. At 2,850 bid.
0:23:46 > 0:23:482,850.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Thank you, Ryan.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Ryan's gamble paid off.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57A very good price, aye.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Especially looking at the way the trade has went,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01I would say it is a very good price, aye.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07And the rest of the Smith family's pairs do well to,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10with one exceeding all expectations.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12At £3,000.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18All in all, they have made £50,000 today.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21All the names that were shouted out as buying
0:24:21 > 0:24:23have been buying for years,
0:24:23 > 0:24:26so it is fine to see that as well, coming back to buy them again.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29- Nice.- It shows we're doing something right, I suppose.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31Aye, must be.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35On the way out, Ryan goes to pick up his cheque.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38He has clearly learnt the golden rule of selling -
0:24:38 > 0:24:41never show you're happy with what you have got.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Pleased today?
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Mmm, just about, aye.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52Night falls on Thainstone,
0:24:52 > 0:24:55and the big charity dinner is about to start.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Graham sorted the oven problem.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02But there are some things he can't control.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05We are just down to a group of stragglers who are coming in.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Obviously if people are late, then that kind of puts everything back.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10It is really important, we finish at 9:15
0:25:10 > 0:25:12and then the dance can happen after that.
0:25:12 > 0:25:13Good evening, sir. Madam.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18Later, there will be an auction to raise money for cancer support.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20At home six miles away,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Colin will soon be setting off to take charge of it.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24But it is Halloween,
0:25:24 > 0:25:30so, for now, he is on pumpkin duty with daughter Rachel and son Robbie.
0:25:30 > 0:25:31Ooh, what...?
0:25:33 > 0:25:35There's seeds everywhere, guys.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Colin suffered from cancer himself seven years ago.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Let's have a look. It needs a wee scrape round.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42'My kids were very young when I had it.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44'I am still here, seeing them growing up -
0:25:44 > 0:25:46'you know, there was a risk I wouldn't be at that time.'
0:25:46 > 0:25:51But, no, it makes you more thankful that you are around.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53There is no guarantees in the future, we all know that.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Nobody has got a guarantee, but be positive,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58look on the bright side of it, I'm here.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02They are through there making a noise and it's fine.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03Everything is good.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07This going to be awesome. Let's head out, guys.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- Let's go.- Wait for me.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12HE GROWLS AND HOWLS
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Back at Thainstone, the meal has gone down well.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Now Graham just has to get the desserts out on time.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Come on, guys. Crank it up!
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Five more minutes.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26CLATTERING
0:26:26 > 0:26:27Come on, guys.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29We have got a problem on the dishwasher. Can you look for him?
0:26:29 > 0:26:31It cannot start.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- BLEEP- sakes.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35While Graham sorts out the dishwasher,
0:26:35 > 0:26:39in the function suite, Colin has arrived and is in auction mode.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41At 2,000. 2,200.
0:26:41 > 0:26:432,200 is here at the front table.
0:26:43 > 0:26:452,200. You bring 2,500.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49At 2,500 it goes. Thank you, sir, right at the back.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Thank you. Well done, sir.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56The auction is going well. The final item is a replica Viking axe.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59The organisers hope it will go for more than £1,000.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01800. 900.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04900. 1,000.
0:27:04 > 0:27:05I'm bid 1,000. Come on, again, sir.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07At 1,000. 1,200.
0:27:07 > 0:27:08At 1,200.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10At 1,200. You're out, make no mistake, sir.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15At 12. At 12. It goes. Thank you. It goes to Pat.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Bought by the chairman of Thainstone Mart.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Thank you very much indeed. Thank you.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Overall, £40,000 has been raised for charity this evening.
0:27:23 > 0:27:29When you're selling sheep at £50, £80, £100, that is one thing.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33But when you're standing in front of 300 people wearing kilts
0:27:33 > 0:27:36and dickiebows, and selling items that's making hundreds
0:27:36 > 0:27:39and up into thousands, it is a totally different thing.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41But, you know, people are generous.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44They are trying to raise money for good causes tonight.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46I think we have achieved that.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Now, Colin needs to get some sleep.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Soon he will be back in action.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Next time on The Mart...
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Colin visits two rival farmers
0:27:59 > 0:28:02desperate to outdo each other on sales day.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08The only reason I am in the thing is to beat Chris.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10The pressure is on trainee auctioneer Rory
0:28:10 > 0:28:13when his brother comes to watch him in the box.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16It could be worse. It could be my gran.
0:28:16 > 0:28:17And on Shetland pony day,
0:28:17 > 0:28:21a seller worries his favourites won't to go to a good home.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25This is the last hour I own them. This is sad.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Can Colin come to the rescue?