Wielding a gavel is all in a day's work: John Swan & Sons, operating through its subsidiary John Swan Limited, serves as a livestock auctioneer and agent. It runs livestock auction marts in St. Boswells, Scotland, and Wooler, England, areas known for breeding prime herd and flock. Although the St. Boswells mart comprises five selling rings, which can hold 18,000 sheep and 5,000 head of cattle, the Wooler Livestock Centre is fully covered. John Swan & Sons also acts an estate agent and appraiser, and provides liquidation and foreclosure sale of businesses, houses, and fine art. Most of its revenue is generated through commissions. John Swan and his sons began the business of marketing livestock in 1856.