0:00:04 > 0:00:05Farming is a risky business.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12And when it's time to make money, the stakes are high.
0:00:12 > 0:00:1330,000.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Thainstone Mart - one of Europe's biggest livestock markets.
0:00:17 > 0:00:18If you want perfection, there it is.
0:00:18 > 0:00:19That is some machine.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Brrrr.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Sheep, cattle and machinery
0:00:23 > 0:00:26auctioned to the highest bidder, day in, day out.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Farmers spend months getting ready for their big sales day...
0:00:33 > 0:00:35You full brute.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38..and buyers need nerves of steel to bag the bargains.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Folk can easily get carried away.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43It's a bit of an adrenaline thing, bidding.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Fortunes can be made and dreams can be dashed...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49..all in the blink of an eye.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Always expect the unexpected, eh?
0:00:52 > 0:00:53Welcome to...
0:01:00 > 0:01:01The mart's hitting the road this time.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03What do you think they're worth?
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Auctioneer Colin Slessor is catching up with an old friend.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11Well, if you get that, I'll dance at your silver wedding.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13AUCTIONEER CRIES
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Charlie Morrison does his best to build up the pension pot
0:01:16 > 0:01:19for retiring farmers Gordon and Lorna Hector.
0:01:19 > 0:01:20Oh, a big crowd today.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24As long as there's plenty of money, that's the main thing.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26Stand!
0:01:26 > 0:01:29And an obstreperous bull gives his handler a hard time.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Will he behave himself in the ring?
0:01:32 > 0:01:34BULL LOWS
0:01:37 > 0:01:38Thainstone Mart...
0:01:40 > 0:01:43With annual sales in excess of £100 million
0:01:43 > 0:01:45and more than 5,000 members,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49this co-operative is right at the heart of Scotland's rural economy.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56It's late November, but festive preparations
0:01:56 > 0:01:58start early at Thainstone.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02There's no party for yard supervisor Robbie Cruickshank, though,
0:02:02 > 0:02:05as he's getting ready for the Christmas Classic -
0:02:05 > 0:02:08a showcase for some of the best livestock in Scotland.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10All different types of animals are going in the pens,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13like the pedigree bulls and the fat stock and...
0:02:15 > 0:02:17..the pedigree sheep.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20With pens full of premium livestock to prepare for,
0:02:20 > 0:02:22the last thing Robbie needs is a burst pipe.
0:02:25 > 0:02:26But that's exactly what he's got.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30That pipe's burst.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32We'll have to shut off the water.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Robbie and assistant Charlie need to turn the water off.
0:02:36 > 0:02:37That's the pump shut off.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Now...
0:02:47 > 0:02:50This thread is going, but...
0:02:52 > 0:02:54With hundreds of animals due to be hosed down and spruced up,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57ready for the sale, Robbie can't afford for the water
0:02:57 > 0:02:59to be off for long.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01See what I can do there.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05The kind of unexpected things coming in your path.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08It just makes your day more interesting.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Interesting is one word for it.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14With the beasts stacking up...
0:03:15 > 0:03:16..turning the water off
0:03:16 > 0:03:19is only the first step towards solving the problem.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Away from the mart, head sheep auctioneer Colin Slessor
0:03:30 > 0:03:33is on his way to Perthshire to visit an old friend...
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Finlay McIntire.
0:03:39 > 0:03:40Back a whiley ago, when I seen him,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42I thought the first figure would be an eight.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45The pair worked together for nearly eight years at Thainstone,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47before Finlay left, a year ago,
0:03:47 > 0:03:49to manage the estate near Kinloch Rannoch,
0:03:49 > 0:03:50where he grew up.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Look here! Look! Come in about here now.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58I was born and raised here, my father was born in the glen here,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01my grandfather. It's a once-in-a-lifetime, for me,
0:04:01 > 0:04:03opportunity to come back home.
0:04:03 > 0:04:04Take your time!
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Finlay wants Colin to sell 80 of his Blackface lambs.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13It's a rare chance for the pair to catch up...
0:04:13 > 0:04:16But Finlay's never been at the mercy of Colin's valuation before.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- How're you getting on? - Welcome to the wilds, Colin.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20Jeepers creepers, good to see you, boy.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22Good to see you, too. Are you keeping well?
0:04:22 > 0:04:23I'm fine, aye. Yourself?
0:04:23 > 0:04:24Och, just wearing away.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26I've been up here. I was up here on holiday many years ago,
0:04:26 > 0:04:28I think. I stayed at the Dunalastair Hotel.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30They mind of you, like.
0:04:30 > 0:04:31They said when you were here, to go back
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- and just get that bill paid. - You're kidding on.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- The slate's still there. - There's nae...
0:04:35 > 0:04:36I've paid my bill. Dinnae start.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38What are we here to see? Your puckle lambs?
0:04:38 > 0:04:40They're doon in this... The field doon the bottom side here.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42You're the opinion that counts here.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Well, it's no my opinion, it's the buyers' opinion,
0:04:44 > 0:04:46you know that better than most.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49It's like being on telly here,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- One Man And His Dog.- Come by.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54She's away.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57HE WHISTLES
0:04:57 > 0:04:59They're looking a bit sorry, today.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01They've had a couple of days of hard weather.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- Yeah, they're decent sheep. - They should be all right.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06You'll be getting carried away like you used to be.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10There, Colin. See what you think they're worth.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12What they're worth, that's the million-dollar question.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15What do I usually do? I usually write on the price on here, don't I?
0:05:15 > 0:05:19I know, yes. I've not seen that done for about a year now.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Well, that's your fault for leaving.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25I've wrote a price on my hand, and we'll see how far apart we are.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29I would hope... Somewhere maybe £42 to £45.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35Oh! Hold me up, hold me up.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39I'm feeling a wee bit... I'm feeling a wee bit wobbly at the knees.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42I've gone a wee bit too high, I think.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Well, if you get that, I'll dance at your silver wedding.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50Finlay's all smiles at Colin's valuation of his sheep.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51- Good to see you, too.- Nae bother.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- Take care.- You travel safe. Aye. Will do.
0:05:53 > 0:05:54But there's a lot riding
0:05:54 > 0:05:57on his return to the Thainstone auction ring.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00I'm looking forward to getting some money in for my employers.
0:06:00 > 0:06:01You only get one chance to sell them,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04and, hopefully, it'll turn them out and they'll take folks' eye.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06We'll just have to wait and see.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09We're in the hands of the men that know better then me what'll happen.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Aye, it'd be like you to back off!
0:06:20 > 0:06:24In Aberdeenshire, the mart's Charlie Morrison has arrived.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26He's at this farm in Auchnagatt to prepare
0:06:26 > 0:06:28for a very different kind of sale.
0:06:33 > 0:06:34She likes her wee birds.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38So do you!
0:06:38 > 0:06:42Newlyweds Gordon and Lorna Hector, they only married last year,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44are retiring and selling up.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48They're getting ready for a roup.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52I just came in one day and said to Lorna, "I'm fed up of this.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55I want to stop. I've just made up my mind I'd like to stop."
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Gordon's giving up his lease,
0:06:58 > 0:07:00and called in Charlie to sell everything
0:07:00 > 0:07:04accumulated on the farm over the last 40 years.
0:07:04 > 0:07:05Mower, baler.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- Baler. Combine last. - Combine last, combine last.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12It's up to Charlie to bring in as much money as he can
0:07:12 > 0:07:14for each of the lots.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18Everything from anvils and road signs to tractors.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Hope we get enough pennies for it.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Hope to get 20 grand plus, hopefully.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27The tractor is only seven years old,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29but some lots have a bit more history attached.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Well, this is another old-fashioned bit of equipment.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36It's for making cheese.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39I mind my mother... I've screwed this at home when I was in there,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41when I was awa' back when I was a wee boy.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43She put the cheese in below,
0:07:43 > 0:07:45and then you screwed it and lifted the weight on top.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48I wasn't just particularly wanting to sell it,
0:07:48 > 0:07:50but Charlie kind of twisted my arm.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55It'll be down to Charlie to get a good price.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Gordon and Lorna Hector are relying on him.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01But he's never less than confident.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03It's going to be a big roup due to...
0:08:05 > 0:08:06..good machinery...
0:08:08 > 0:08:09..and popularity.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Gordon's very popular.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Definitely. Time will tell, but I think I'm richt.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16In fact, I ken I'm richt.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25At Thainstone, preparations for the Christmas Classic are on hold
0:08:25 > 0:08:28as Robbie Cruickshank tries to get the water back on.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Hundreds of dirty animals and their owners are depending on it.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Are you needing to wash and manure for these here?
0:08:37 > 0:08:39I think Jim's needs a wee wash and manure.
0:08:39 > 0:08:40Is it cold water or hot water you're needing?
0:08:40 > 0:08:43But with a plumber on the way to fix the broken pipe,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46a workaround is required.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50We'll switch it off at the wash main line and then leaving it...
0:08:50 > 0:08:53the bit for inside the boiler on so they can wash the cattle.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57That's all right.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00The water's back on, and the cattle can be washed
0:09:00 > 0:09:02and made ready for the Christmas Classic.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07That's his shower gel he's putting onto him.
0:09:07 > 0:09:08Get him all sweetened up.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Just like yourself on a Saturday night, try and look your best.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18For Robbie, it's all in a morning's work.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20It's better if you can put your hand to anything, really,
0:09:20 > 0:09:25that's kind of the job here, like, you have to multitask a bit.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28I don't like to be stuck to one line job.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Going into a factory would be no use to me.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42Preparing for the Christmas Classic at the farm in Fochabers
0:09:42 > 0:09:46are Laura Green and Simmental bull...
0:09:47 > 0:09:48..Guinness.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51They get used to it, they know what it's about.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54They know they get outside, stretch their legs.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56So I think they probably quite enjoy it.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Laura's training him for the show ring,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01getting him used to being led around on a rope.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05We can walk him round by hand.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07It's just that bit more security -
0:10:07 > 0:10:11so if he was to get a spook in the field, he can't run away from me.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Laura's been looking after 20-month-old Guinness
0:10:13 > 0:10:15since he was born.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19He's just a day old in this photograph,
0:10:19 > 0:10:21so he's grown up a lot since then.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25He certainly has! Tipping the scales at over a ton,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Guinness is going to be sold at the Christmas Classic.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Good boy. Good boy.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Laura hopes he'll achieve a better price
0:10:33 > 0:10:36if he takes a prize in the pedigree bull show.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39But he's never been in the show ring before.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41You've just got to learn to stay calm.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44You can't afford to get nervous when you're handling such an animal
0:10:44 > 0:10:46that could pick up on it.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48That's the last thing you want to do is make the bull nervous.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50You've got to act confident around them
0:10:50 > 0:10:52and just go canny with them.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56Laura looks after Guinness for her cattle breeder dad Ian.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Hi, Laura. How are you getting on?
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- Fine.- Good. Is he behaving?
0:11:00 > 0:11:01Yeah.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03He's a hard taskmaster and expects high standards
0:11:03 > 0:11:06in the ring from Guinness. And Laura.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- Good boy.- OK, walk on with him.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10Good boy. Come on, then.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Good boy.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Ian's looking for around £4,000 for Guinness
0:11:15 > 0:11:18when he goes under the hammer at the Christmas Classic.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22I think you've just about done all you can do, Laura.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- Yeah.- It'll be down to the auctioneer now.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28I think he's getting a bit fed up of this.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30There's thousands of pounds riding on the outcome,
0:11:30 > 0:11:32but Laura won't know until she gets there
0:11:32 > 0:11:36if Guinness will be good for HER on his first trip into the show ring.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Good boy. Come on.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47A new day at the mart...
0:11:49 > 0:11:53And with 3,500 sheep and lambs to be sold, it's going to be a busy one.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00In ring two, Colin Slessor is well into his stride
0:12:00 > 0:12:03as former colleague Finlay McIntyre arrives.
0:12:03 > 0:12:0673. 73...
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Finlay's more used to auctioning sheep from the box.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13But today, he's selling 80 lambs from the estate farm
0:12:13 > 0:12:15he's been running for the last year.
0:12:17 > 0:12:18Last night, I went to bed
0:12:18 > 0:12:21and I just had to worry about getting 80 lambs sold,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23not 1,080 lambs or 2,080 lambs.
0:12:25 > 0:12:26But you miss it, too, like.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30The pressure is still on Finlay, though.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31He's got the boss to keep happy,
0:12:31 > 0:12:34and a good price for his Blackface lambs will do that.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39A price that's dependent on Colin in the box now.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41No, thank you. No, you'll manage just fine.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44OK. Good lambs coming in - Dunalastair.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47The 79 lambs are being sold in two lots.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- That's a cracking pen. - But who's estimate will they reach?
0:12:50 > 0:12:55Finlay's of £45 a head or Colin's of £47?
0:12:55 > 0:12:5843, 44, 45,
0:12:58 > 0:13:0046, 47.
0:13:00 > 0:13:0247. 47.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04I'll take 50. 48 bid.
0:13:04 > 0:13:0648 bid. 50. 49 bid.
0:13:06 > 0:13:0949.50. At £49.50.
0:13:09 > 0:13:10- I'll sell them, sir?- Yes.
0:13:10 > 0:13:1149.50. Anybody else?
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Wave out. I don't want to miss you.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Finlay wouldn't let me live it down.
0:13:15 > 0:13:1749.50.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19£49.50.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20Colin Simpson.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24A fantastic start - £49.50 a head.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26That's better than either of them predicted.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Look at this, boys. What a show of lambs - Dunalastair.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32£40, I'm bid. Help the man, here.
0:13:32 > 0:13:3541, 42, 43, 44, 44, 44.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37You're out again. 44.50.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- Sell away, sir?- Yes.
0:13:39 > 0:13:4044.50. 45 bid.
0:13:42 > 0:13:4445 bid. 45 bid. I put them on market.
0:13:44 > 0:13:4745 and away. 45, McHardy.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49£45 a head, very respectable.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52- Thank you very much.- Thank you, sir.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- All the best.- Cheers. - I'll see you later, Finlay boy.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- Yes, cheerio.- Thank you. It's good to see you.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58And Finlay's delighted.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03It's OK, John. I'm happy with that.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06The lambs averaged just over £47 each,
0:14:06 > 0:14:08as Colin is quick to point out.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Finlay, Finlay, right again.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12I know!
0:14:12 > 0:14:13I've known him wrong a few times.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15I've marked them on the calendar.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17If you ever want to come back, I'll easy show you.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21No, no! He knows his job very well and he works hard for his customers,
0:14:21 > 0:14:25he always has done. So I'm happy today.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27It helps pay some of the winter bills
0:14:27 > 0:14:29that we're getting now for feed and suchlike and straw.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33So, aye, it's been a good day's business.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36I've got a feather in my bonnet today, so I'm quite happy.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- Shall we get a bit of lunch?- Aye.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45At Slampton Farm near Auchnagatt...
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Hello, big loon. - Charlie Morrison is gearing up
0:14:48 > 0:14:50for Gordon and Lorna Hector's roup.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Do your best for me, Charlie.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55I'm going on to a pension.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56Wait till I get my hankie!
0:14:56 > 0:14:58THEY LAUGH
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Hundreds have turned up for the sale
0:15:00 > 0:15:02that marks the end of Gordon's farming career,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05and, hopefully, sets him and Lorna up for retirement.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Great to see a lot of people here.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12It's just brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16And Gordon's fair looking forward to his day, eh?
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Well, well, we'll just have till.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21And Charlie's in the mood for it, too.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22Oh, a big crowd today.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24A big crowd today. The ground's all sweet.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26The farmers cannae get nothing done on the ground,
0:15:26 > 0:15:27so they'll be here today.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30As long as there's plenty money, that's the main thing.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Right then, first lot.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Right, pound bid. One bid away...
0:15:34 > 0:15:35AUCTIONEER CRIES
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Charlie starts with the small stuff.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39One bid away. One pound to George.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42A pound isn't going to get the Hectors a cruise,
0:15:42 > 0:15:44but there are hundreds of lots.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47AUCTIONEER CRIES
0:15:48 > 0:15:49Of course, if you're not bidding,
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Charlie's performance is a show in itself.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Number 1334.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04Now, look at that. That's before his Coco Pops!
0:16:04 > 0:16:06100, 50...
0:16:06 > 0:16:08He is absolutely meant for that job.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09He really is good.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11He's fantastic.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13100, 100.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21100. 100. And you lose it away. 100!
0:16:21 > 0:16:23The lots are going thick and fast,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26but not all of them are meant to be sold.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Picking out the good things.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30HE LAUGHS
0:16:30 > 0:16:32No, that belongs to something that I'm keeping.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- AUCTIONEER CRIES - £2.00
0:16:35 > 0:16:38£2.00, but many a mickle makes a muckle, as they say.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40And it's time to move on to the big ticket items...
0:16:43 > 0:16:45..including Gordon's tractor.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48He's looking for £20,000 for it.
0:16:48 > 0:16:5116, 16,000.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53But it's turned into a bit of a grind.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56You don't know how lucky you are. 16,100.
0:16:56 > 0:16:5816,100.
0:16:58 > 0:17:0016,200.
0:17:00 > 0:17:0316,200.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07And the hammer's up. 16,200 once.
0:17:07 > 0:17:0916,200 twice.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12The last at 16,200.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18Charlie's not happy - nearly 4,000 less than Gordon wanted.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Ah, well, I was a wee bit disappointed with my big tractor,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25but you win some, you lose some.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27It's time for Charlie to pull out the stops
0:17:27 > 0:17:29and fill up Gordon's retirement fund.
0:17:31 > 0:17:331,600.
0:17:33 > 0:17:3655, 56.
0:17:36 > 0:17:398,000. And I've scratched the paint.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41You've stopped!
0:17:41 > 0:17:42600.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44I'm bid 3,000 once...
0:17:44 > 0:17:45600 away.
0:17:45 > 0:17:4720,000 twice.
0:17:47 > 0:17:498,000 away.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51And the last at 20.
0:17:51 > 0:17:52500.
0:17:52 > 0:17:53And the big finish,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Charlie's milking the crowd for all they're worth,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58selling Gordon's cheese press.
0:17:58 > 0:17:59600.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00620.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03650.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05I'm going to sell her. Make no mistake!
0:18:05 > 0:18:07650.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12650, a great price.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14And as the crowds disperse
0:18:14 > 0:18:17and machinery makes its way to its new home,
0:18:17 > 0:18:18Charlie and Gordon take stock.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21Are you happy?
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Yes. You did a very good job.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- Thank you very much. - Just your excellent job.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- Just your usual, Charlie. - Just speaking rubbish.
0:18:27 > 0:18:28- Very good.- All the best, Gordon.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Right, Charlie, thank you.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32In a little over four hours,
0:18:32 > 0:18:36Charlie has raised more than £150,000
0:18:36 > 0:18:38for Gordon and Lorna's retirement fund.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41And they already know how they're going to spend it.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42Oh, well.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Oh, well, once we get settled into our new house,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48we'd like to do a wee bit of travelling, maybe,
0:18:48 > 0:18:50and enjoy ourselves.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Charlie, however, doesn't have that luxury.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56No, no, no, I cannae afford to retire.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Times are hard, you ken, and friends are few.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10At Thainstone, everyone is getting ready for the Christmas Classic.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Among the sellers are Ian and Laura Green,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20with their pedigree bull, Guinness.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26Hopefully, we're going to be able to get Guinness sold to a good home
0:19:26 > 0:19:27for a good price.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30But before the sale, the show.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34If Guinness can take a prize, it could boost his price,
0:19:34 > 0:19:36but he's never been off the farm before,
0:19:36 > 0:19:38and Laura doesn't know how he'll react.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Steady.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41Guinness, behave.
0:19:42 > 0:19:43Steady.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47Stand. Stand.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Stand.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51There's only one other bull in the Simmental class,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55but the judge is taking his time coming to a decision.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57BULL LOWS
0:20:00 > 0:20:01Good boy.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03Steady.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05Despite all of Laura's training,
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Guinness is proving to be a bit of a handful.
0:20:08 > 0:20:09Stand.
0:20:09 > 0:20:10Guinness!
0:20:14 > 0:20:15Stand!
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Ian's doing his best to put a positive spin on it...
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Some judges think if they're too sleepy and docile,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23then they haven't got enough action to them,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26but you like them to stand, if possible, for the judge.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Just stand, for God's sake.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Guinness!
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- ANNOUNCEMENT: - 'This is going to be awarded...'
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Despite all his obstreperous behaviour,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38Guinness and Laura still manage to take first prize.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Stand!
0:20:41 > 0:20:43And Dad's delighted.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44Stand.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Yeah, very pleased. Yeah, that's good.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49I was happy for Laura.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51You were getting a bit flustered, but you didn't worry once.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- I never flustered.- No, no.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- He was flustering.- Nah, nah, he was just happy he won.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- BULL LOWS - Oh, that's a good boy.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02But like every other farmer, it's not about the prizes,
0:21:02 > 0:21:04it's about the prices.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06And if Guinness is going to go for big money,
0:21:06 > 0:21:10he'll have to hold his nerve when he enters the sale ring with Laura.
0:21:17 > 0:21:23In Dundee, head sheep auctioneer Colin Slessor is on an awayday.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25That's bound to be one of the favourites, isn't it?
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- The original Oor Wullie. - The original.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Alongside mart colleague Alan Hutcheon,
0:21:30 > 0:21:32he's about to auction off 70 sculptures
0:21:32 > 0:21:34of iconic comic strip character
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Oor Wullie for charity.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41I think that one looks a bit like me.
0:21:41 > 0:21:42Aye, I suppose so.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44Thick arms like you!
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Dinnae be so cheeky!
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Thick heid, maybe!
0:21:49 > 0:21:51You're some boy.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54They're relaxed at the moment, but there's rivalry in play.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- Dungarees...- Alan sold a dolphin statue at a charity auction
0:21:58 > 0:22:00last year for £55,000...
0:22:02 > 0:22:04..and he's never let Colin forget it.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05That was a golfer...
0:22:05 > 0:22:07Mine was a golfing dolphin that made the most money.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09What did you get for that, 55,000...?
0:22:09 > 0:22:10- 55,000.- For the golfing dolphin.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- So no pressure.- No pressure!
0:22:15 > 0:22:17But there is a serious point behind tonight's auction.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20The money Colin and Alan raise
0:22:20 > 0:22:22for the great and the good of Dundee
0:22:22 > 0:22:24will be used to buy a new operating theatre
0:22:24 > 0:22:26for Tayside Children's Hospital.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30But the boys are used to valuing beef and mutton, not fibreglass.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Buying an Oor Wullie is a different challenge.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35I think... I hope they'll all be making, you know,
0:22:35 > 0:22:36a couple of thousand or more.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Among the potential purchasers
0:22:39 > 0:22:41preparing to put their hands in their pockets
0:22:41 > 0:22:44is lifeboat volunteer Ewan Philp from Broughty Ferry.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49And he doesn't want just ANY old Oor Wullie...
0:22:49 > 0:22:50He wants this one.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54It's been situated in the pier at Broughty Ferry,
0:22:54 > 0:22:58and we've really just grown a love for him being down there,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01and thought that we'd start a bit of a crowdfunding
0:23:01 > 0:23:03with the community in Broughty Ferry
0:23:03 > 0:23:05to see if we could buy him.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07But it won't be easy -
0:23:07 > 0:23:11there's a full house and hundreds more bidders online.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Ewan, Colin and Alan will all have their work cut out.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26At Thainstone, the Christmas Classic is well under way,
0:23:26 > 0:23:31with head cattle auctioneer John Angus very much in charge.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33At 2,008.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Anxious to enter the sale ring are Laura Green and Guinness.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39BULL LOWS
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Guinness didn't exactly cover himself in glory with his behaviour
0:23:43 > 0:23:45during the pre-sales show,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48and Laura's father Ian is nervous
0:23:48 > 0:23:50that he'll start to act up again.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54Keep his heid up. When you go into the box up here,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56bide back until the boy shuts the crush.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01OK. He's slamming the doors - terrible, it might scare him.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02Come on, boy.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Bidding on pedigree bulls is done in guineas...
0:24:06 > 0:24:08..that's £1.05.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Nae less than 3,700.
0:24:15 > 0:24:182,000. 2,400.
0:24:18 > 0:24:202,600.
0:24:20 > 0:24:232,600. 2,800.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Bidding is brisk,
0:24:25 > 0:24:27but Guinness doesn't seem to be comfortable in the ring.
0:24:27 > 0:24:303,600. 3,800.
0:24:30 > 0:24:333,800. 4,000.
0:24:33 > 0:24:364,200. 4,200.
0:24:36 > 0:24:374,300.
0:24:37 > 0:24:394,400. 4,500.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Show the length of him.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45At 4,600 bid.
0:24:45 > 0:24:474,600. 4,700.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52At 4,700. At 4,700.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Well done.
0:24:54 > 0:25:014,700. 1,000 guineas more than Ian's reserve and a total of £4,935.
0:25:02 > 0:25:03- Good boy.- Happy, Laura?
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- Yeah.- Good.- Big hugs for the boy.
0:25:08 > 0:25:09He's been a good boy.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12But although he's made a good price,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15it's time for Laura to say goodbye to Guinness.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19I'm sure you'll enjoy all of your new lady friends, anyway.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21I am a little bit sad now, I have to say.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Och, you know, you just get on with it,
0:25:23 > 0:25:28and there'll be lots of other young bulls coming up in the springtime.
0:25:28 > 0:25:29Bye-bye. He might miss me,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32but I think he'll be looking forward to seeing lots of ladies.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34But, no, definitely a good day at the mart.
0:25:39 > 0:25:415,000. 5,000 bid.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43At 5,000...
0:25:43 > 0:25:47In Dundee, mart men Colin and Alan
0:25:47 > 0:25:49are taking control of a charity auction.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50At 14,000.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52At £14,000.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Yes, sir. Number 47.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57They have to sell 70 statues of Oor Wullie,
0:25:57 > 0:25:59squeezing as much cash as they can from the bidders
0:25:59 > 0:26:02for Tayside Children's Hospital.
0:26:02 > 0:26:0320,000.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04£20,000.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06And they're doing a cracking job.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09At £22,000.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12The lots are going for tens of thousands of pounds.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14£34,000 goes to...
0:26:14 > 0:26:17CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:26:17 > 0:26:19In the audience, becoming increasingly apprehensive,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21is Ewan Philp.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Oor Life-saver. Lot number 44.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26The lifeboat volunteer is hoping to buy
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Oor Life-saver for Broughty Ferry.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35- £5,000.- The community raised £12,000 to get it.
0:26:35 > 0:26:36But the way prices are going...
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- 7,000. 8,000. - ..it might not be enough.
0:26:39 > 0:26:408,000 bid.
0:26:40 > 0:26:439,000. At 9,000.
0:26:43 > 0:26:459,000 bid. At 10,000, 10,000 bid.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48At 10,000. Going to be sold then. 10,000.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51£10,000. Yes, sir, 10,000.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:26:53 > 0:26:57A sigh of relief from Ewan, and smiles all round in Broughty Ferry.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Don't let the average down, Colin.
0:26:59 > 0:27:00Don't let the average down.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03It's Colin's turn in the box.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07He's determined to beat Alan's charity record of £55,000
0:27:07 > 0:27:08for a fibreglass dolphin.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10Let's go. What do you say?
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Start me...
0:27:12 > 0:27:14He thinks he can do it with this original Oor Wullie
0:27:14 > 0:27:15he spotted earlier.
0:27:15 > 0:27:1710,000 bid.
0:27:17 > 0:27:2112,000. 12,000. 15,000. 15,000. 20,000.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23And the bidding rapidly escalates.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25At 40,000 it goes, then.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27All out on the internet.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29At 40,000. At 45,000.
0:27:29 > 0:27:3345,000. 45,000. 45,000, it goes.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Are you doing it? 50,000. 50,000 is bid.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Don't clap yet, we're not finished!
0:27:40 > 0:27:41Last and final call.
0:27:41 > 0:27:4350,000, it goes, sir.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Are you bidding? 50,000, away.
0:27:45 > 0:27:4750,000, thank you.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49It goes to Gareth Wood.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50Thank you.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54£50,000, the biggest sale of the day.
0:27:54 > 0:27:55And by the end of the evening,
0:27:55 > 0:28:01Colin and Alan have raised £883,000 for charity.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04But the star of the show was the original Oor Wullie.
0:28:04 > 0:28:0650,000, you know,
0:28:06 > 0:28:12that's by far the biggest figure I've ever sold at a charity auction.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13- You know...- It doesn't beat 55,000.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15No, it doesn't beat 55. You're right.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17The 55,000 dolphin does beat it.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- It beats it.- There's always a wee bit of something.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21There's a wee bit of rivalry, yes.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23It looks like it'll be a long drive home,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25and when they get back to Thainstone,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28the rivalry will continue...
0:28:28 > 0:28:31because the selling never stops at The Mart.