Some of Scotland’s finest sheep dogs and their handlers will put on a special public display in Dumfries next month as they prepare to represent the country at the 2026 Sheep Dog World Trial.
Dalscone Farm will host the showcase event on Saturday 8 August from 11am to 2pm, giving visitors the chance to watch world championship-level sheep dog trialling up close while celebrating the launch of the attraction’s new sheep dog demonstration facilities.
The event offers a preview of the Sheep Dog World Trial, which takes place at Huntington Farm near Lauder in the Scottish Borders from 16 to 20 September. It will be the first time the prestigious triennial competition has been staged in the Scottish Borders, the home of the iconic Border Collie.
Around 10 members of Team Scotland are expected to take part in the Dumfries showcase, including local handler Dean Aitken, who has qualified for the World Trial for the first time and will have the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd before the international event.
Joining him will be reigning Scottish champion Chris Toner of Lochgoilhead, who secured the national title for a second consecutive year and recently won the Royal Highland Show trial with his young dog, Grace.
Also taking part is Fraser Shennan from Girvan, one of Scotland’s most successful competitors, who has already claimed both the Scottish National and Supreme Championship titles and will now be aiming to add a World Trial victory to his achievements.
The line-up also includes former Supreme Champions Ian Brownlie of Dunbar and Neil McVicar of Dunoon, Billy Welsh of Loch Doon, Dalmellington, experienced international competitor Sandy McCulloch, also from Dalmellington, and John Allan of the Borders, who is making his debut for Team Scotland.
Live commentary throughout the event will be provided by Fiona McMillan, Scottish President of the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) and local chair of the World Trial.
Interest in sheep dog trialling has grown significantly in recent years, helped by the popularity of farming content across social media. Dalscone Farm itself has attracted more than 2.5 million followers online and gained international attention as the home of Fiona, the sheep once dubbed “Britain’s loneliest sheep.”
Ben Best of Dalscone Farm said the new demonstrations had already proved popular with visitors.
He said: “We launched our sheep dog demonstrations last week because people are fascinated by these dogs. To have Scotland’s World Trial team here running their dogs on our ground is a real honour. If you’ve never seen trialling before, this is your chance to find out why it stops people in their tracks.”
Fiona McMillan added: “These are the dogs and handlers who will carry Scotland’s hopes at the World Trial in September, and there’s no better preparation than running in front of a crowd. It’s wonderful to see a whole new generation falling for sheep dog trialling online and wanting to know more.”
The Sheep Dog World Trial is expected to attract more than 300 handlers and dogs from 31 countries when it takes place in September.
Alongside the competition, visitors will also be able to meet some of farming’s best-known social media personalities, including Borders shepherdess Emma Gray and Dalscone’s Farmer Ben, during special question-and-answer sessions.
The Dalscone Farm showcase is included with normal admission and runs from 11am until 2pm on Saturday 8 August.