Ally Leaves The Cally

‍Alastair “Ally” Logan retired recently after 44 years at Caledonian Marts, Stirling.

“I joined the navy straight from school, but after getting sea-sick on Loch Lomond in the first few weeks, I quickly decided a land-based career was more my thing.” Ally commented, “I started with the Cally as a 17-year-old trainee and here I am, 44 years later hanging up the gavel!”

“We have had hard times – BSE, Foot & Mouth and the dreaded Covid - and good times over the years, but I have honestly loved almost every minute of it.”

“When I was learning the ropes, I started off selling furniture, then moved on to calves and then cast sheep and then was let loose.”

“Joking aside, it has been a real privilege to have the support of hundreds of loyal customers and to be entrusted to achieve the best value for their livestock week in, week out. One of the sales I am most proud of was when the Water Board engaged us for the dispersal sale of their entire 9,200 ewe sheep stock from Loch Katrine. There were five full-time shepherds involved and I really wanted to do my best for them. We won that sale against competition from one of our biggest rivals, so it was quite a coup.”

“I was always based out of Stirling but worked around Dundee for a few years and then helped out at Perth. I then ran our operations at Oban Mart for 10 years and latterly have been Head of Sheep Sales at Stirling.”

“I conducted sales on Mull, Iona and Islay for 40 years and I would like to thank all the loyal customers, from all over those areas and throughout Stirlingshire and Scotland, who stood by me throughout.”

“I have memories and stories to last another lifetime. Amongst many standouts, was being appointed as Chairman of the Scotsheep event in 2010 – that was a real honour for me.”

“The Cally is in great hands going forward, I am delighted to see the recent investments in improved facilities and a team of keen young staff. I certainly won’t be a stranger to the Mart, but I do look forward to a bit more time with family and friends and of course on the golf course too.”