SCOTLAND’S leading sheepdogs handlers will be battling out to be crowned ‘National’ champion and for a place in the Scottish team for the ‘International’, next weekend.

Dogs, handlers and spectators will head to Portencross, West Kilbride, from August 2-4, for a weekend of trials – and, for once, there will be no complaints if there’s a bit of rain beforehand. The Scottish Nationals began in 1922 when A Millar, from Darvel, won with his dog Spot.

All single dogs have pre-qualified for the event at weekly open trials, where they gained qualifying points, which are given to the top six placements.

The National showcases the finest Scottish handlers and there will be two major competitions – the larger competition is for single dogs, for which there are 150 dogs competing for the top title but and for one of 15 places in the Scottish team for the International, in September, in Ireland.

The singles tests dogs’ abilities to manoeuvre sheep in a precise and workmanlike way over a large course, but there is also the brace championship in which handlers use two dogs to move sheep around and through obstacles, as well as penning and shedding.

As with the singles, the different elements of the course are based on the practical requirements to manage the welfare of sheep, for example separating out a ewe for foot treatment or to intervene in a difficult birth.

The winner of the brace championship will also go forward to represent Scotland at the International.

The championships are open to the public (£5, children under 16 are free) with viewing from covered stands. Throughout the competition the points totals of individuals will be listed regularly so that spectators can see the overall competitive picture as it emerges.

The event will be supported by local MSP Kenneth Gibson and, in addition, Emma Harper MSP will be present hoping to engage with anyone affected by sheep worrying.

Kenny Donald, local chairman of this year’s event, said: “This is the first time this event has been held in North Ayrshire and we are immensely grateful for all the support we have received from all our sponsors, including Event Scotland. This allows us to showcase this wonderful area to such a wide audience who may not have visited before.”

Scottish President Ian Brownlie – twice winner of the International – added: “I am delighted to be part of this year’s Scottish National and the competition will no doubt be of the highest order and it is being held in a stunning location, by kind permission of the Wardrop family. I look forward to seeing a large number of The Scottish Farmer’s readers there, where I will be only too happy assist with any working dog related queries at the event.”

The 2018 championship is being supported by main sponsor Gilbertson and Page, with help also from Event Scotland (year of young people), Magnox, Agria, Davidsons Animal Feeds, Norbrook, AH Mackie and, Blackface Sheep Breeders Association, Country Kiln, Crafttown Scotland Studios, Craig Wilson, Garden Rooms, Lloyd, Mctaggart and, Scotpen, Krka, Aileen Renfrew Florist, Ventient Energy, Weft Blown, Carrs Billingham, Tarff Valley, MMEnergy, and Robert Craig Livestock Haulage.