Company History
Lawrie & Symington: Over 160 Years of Scottish Agriculture
The firm of Lawrie & Symington was established on 22nd January 1862 by Mr Lawrie, a local auctioneer, and his nephew Mr Symington. The original market, situated on Hope Street, Lanark, was known as a Meal Market.
A major milestone came on 24th September 1867 with the first livestock auction, held in a field near Lanark Railway Station. The sale included lambs, ewes, pigs, calves, and cattle, grossing £304 9s 3d. By 1876, Monday Fat Stock Sales began, growing over the years to a weekly staple that continues today. By 1885, stock throughput had risen to over 10,000 cattle and 100,000 sheep, alongside growing numbers of pigs and calves.
Specialist sales began in 1879, with the first Special Sale of Blackface Wedder Lambs. Ten lots totalling 1,025 head sold for £568, averaging 11/1d per head.
In 1886, following the retirement of Mr James Symington, the business was transferred to William Elliot, who later became Chairman and Chief Auctioneer from 1910 until his death in 1929. In 1911, Elliot was presented with three clocks to mark his 25th anniversary—one survives today in a hotel in Inverness.
During World War I (1914–1918), the firm continued trading under challenging circumstances. William Elliot’s eldest son, Walter, survived military service, while his younger son, Alexander, was killed at the Dardanelles.
The market gained fame for the Seven-Day Clydesdale Horse Sale, beginning in 1919. Nearly 4,000 horses were presented over seven days, achieving a remarkable total of £130,000.
The only prolonged closure in the market’s history occurred in 1926, during a severe Foot & Mouth Disease outbreak. In 1928, William Elliot transformed the business into a public company, appointing local farmers and colleagues to the first Board of Directors. Following his sudden death in 1929, his son inherited his shares, and Dr James Watt was appointed Chairman.
Expansion continued with the purchase of Peebles Market in 1936, rebuilt at South Parks and opened in 1939. Despite the difficulties of World War II (1939–1945)—including rationing, transport challenges, and staff shortages—the company remained operational, continuing to serve the farming community and public.
By 1944, the annual Blackface Ram Sale had grown into a two-day event, a format still followed today. Plans for new premises culminated in 1946, featuring sale rings, byres, outdoor pens, a slaughterhouse, and facilities including a restaurant, bar, and chicken sheds followed later.
The 70th Great Annual Show & Sale of Clydesdale Horses took place on 6th October 1955, celebrating the long-standing tradition of breeding and showing these iconic horses. However, by 1971, the Clydesdale Horse Sale concluded after 86 years, though other horse sales continued until 1974.
In 1978, Lawrie & Symington hosted the first National Sale of Texel Sheep, now a highly anticipated two-day annual event in August. The company expanded further in 1999 with the purchase of Forfar Mart.
A major milestone was reached on 14th May 2004, with the opening of the new purpose-built Agricultural Centre. The modern site can accommodate 2,000–2,500 cattle or 10,000–12,000 sheep on any one sale day, with two permanent sale rings and the flexibility to add more if required.
The company celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2017, marked by a visit from HRH Princess Anne, who unveiled a commemorative plaque recognising the firm’s long-standing contribution to Scottish agriculture.
In 2020, global attention came when at the Scottish National Texel Sale, a ram named Double Diamond sold for 350,000 guineas (approximately £367,500). Bred by Charlie Boden from the Sportsman’s flock and sold by auctioneer Brian Ross, this sale made Double Diamond the most expensive sheep ever sold at auction.
In 2022, in one of his final duties as Duke of Rothesay, King Charles III visited Lanark Auction Market as Patron of the Clydesdale Horse Society. During his visit on 7th September, he unveiled a new Clydesdale horse statue, met the creators, viewed prize-winning Clydesdales, and watched the Blackface Ewe Sale in the auction ring.
From its beginnings on Hope Street to a modern, world-renowned agricultural centre, Lawrie & Symington continues to blend heritage, innovation, and excellence, remaining at the heart of Scottish farming for over 160 years.
Company History
Lawrie & Symington: Over 160 Years of Scottish Agriculture
The firm of Lawrie & Symington was established on 22nd January 1862 by Mr Lawrie, a local auctioneer, and his nephew Mr Symington. The original market, situated on Hope Street, Lanark, was known as a Meal Market.
A major milestone came on 24th September 1867 with the first livestock auction, held in a field near Lanark Railway Station. The sale included lambs, ewes, pigs, calves, and cattle, grossing £304 9s 3d. By 1876, Monday Fat Stock Sales began, growing over the years to a weekly staple that continues today. By 1885, stock throughput had risen to over 10,000 cattle and 100,000 sheep, alongside growing numbers of pigs and calves.
Specialist sales began in 1879, with the first Special Sale of Blackface Wedder Lambs. Ten lots totalling 1,025 head sold for £568, averaging 11/1d per head.
In 1886, following the retirement of Mr James Symington, the business was transferred to William Elliot, who later became Chairman and Chief Auctioneer from 1910 until his death in 1929. In 1911, Elliot was presented with three clocks to mark his 25th anniversary—one survives today in a hotel in Inverness.
During World War I (1914–1918), the firm continued trading under challenging circumstances. William Elliot’s eldest son, Walter, survived military service, while his younger son, Alexander, was killed at the Dardanelles.
The market gained fame for the Seven-Day Clydesdale Horse Sale, beginning in 1919. Nearly 4,000 horses were presented over seven days, achieving a remarkable total of £130,000.
The only prolonged closure in the market’s history occurred in 1926, during a severe Foot & Mouth Disease outbreak. In 1928, William Elliot transformed the business into a public company, appointing local farmers and colleagues to the first Board of Directors. Following his sudden death in 1929, his son inherited his shares, and Dr James Watt was appointed Chairman.
Expansion continued with the purchase of Peebles Market in 1936, rebuilt at South Parks and opened in 1939. Despite the difficulties of World War II (1939–1945)—including rationing, transport challenges, and staff shortages—the company remained operational, continuing to serve the farming community and public.
By 1944, the annual Blackface Ram Sale had grown into a two-day event, a format still followed today. Plans for new premises culminated in 1946, featuring sale rings, byres, outdoor pens, a slaughterhouse, and facilities including a restaurant, bar, and chicken sheds followed later.
The 70th Great Annual Show & Sale of Clydesdale Horses took place on 6th October 1955, celebrating the long-standing tradition of breeding and showing these iconic horses. However, by 1971, the Clydesdale Horse Sale concluded after 86 years, though other horse sales continued until 1974.
In 1978, Lawrie & Symington hosted the first National Sale of Texel Sheep, now a highly anticipated two-day annual event in August. The company expanded further in 1999 with the purchase of Forfar Mart.
A major milestone was reached on 14th May 2004, with the opening of the new purpose-built Agricultural Centre. The modern site can accommodate 2,000–2,500 cattle or 10,000–12,000 sheep on any one sale day, with two permanent sale rings and the flexibility to add more if required.
The company celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2017, marked by a visit from HRH Princess Anne, who unveiled a commemorative plaque recognising the firm’s long-standing contribution to Scottish agriculture.
In 2020, global attention came when at the Scottish National Texel Sale, a ram named Double Diamond sold for 350,000 guineas (approximately £367,500). Bred by Charlie Boden from the Sportsman’s flock and sold by auctioneer Brian Ross, this sale made Double Diamond the most expensive sheep ever sold at auction.
In 2022, in one of his final duties as Duke of Rothesay, King Charles III visited Lanark Auction Market as Patron of the Clydesdale Horse Society. During his visit on 7th September, he unveiled a new Clydesdale horse statue, met the creators, viewed prize-winning Clydesdales, and watched the Blackface Ewe Sale in the auction ring.
From its beginnings on Hope Street to a modern, world-renowned agricultural centre, Lawrie & Symington continues to blend heritage, innovation, and excellence, remaining at the heart of Scottish farming for over 160 years.
