Top handlers at sheepdog trials

Thirty top handlers, including three former international champions, will be competing in an invitation sheepdog trial which will be one of the highlights of Scotland's national sheep event, NSA Scotsheep 2016, to be held at Blythbank, West Linton, on Wednesday, June 1.
Sheepgdog trials will feature at the NSA Scotsheep event.Sheepgdog trials will feature at the NSA Scotsheep event.
Sheepgdog trials will feature at the NSA Scotsheep event.

The 30 competitors – 15 each from the Lanark, Lothian and Peebles and the Borders districts – will compete individually for the NSA Scotland Shield and prizemoney sponsored by McCaskie Farm Supplies.

“The trial will provide the opportunity for a wider audience to savour the inherent skills of the top sheepdogs and their handlers at work,” said Blythbank sheep flock manager, David Wallace, a member of the NSA Scotsheep organising committee, who has organised the competition.

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He added: “It will be a great spectacle demonstrating the unique understanding between dog and handler in a trial where competition will be keen. We are grateful to the 30 handlers for their willingness to take part in the trial to entertain visitors attending NSA Scotsheep.”

The trial will be judged by veteran sheepdog handler, Alastair Mundell from Dumfries, who has more than 60 years’ experience of the sheepdog trials circuit.

NSA Scotsheep 2016 is being hosted by the Campbell family of Glenrath Farms Ltd and is organised by NSA Scotland.

The major sponsor of the event, which is held every two years, is Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

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The Scotsheep organising committee has put together a superb programme of demonstrations and activities to whet the appetite of visitors.

There will be a sheep shearing extravanga and new Supershear open challenge as well as the show and sale of pairs of ewe hoggs, eagerly anticipated by potential buyers.

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