Royal visitor for sheep dog trials

HRH Princess Anne, below, has been announced as a special visitor to the International Sheep Dog Trials which takes place at Meikleholm Farm, Courance from September 10-12.
HRH The Princess Royal, who is Patron of the International Sheep Dog Society, will visit on Thursday September 10 to encourage the competitors and to browse the local food, drink and craft products for sale in the artisan village.
Among those taking part are three Dumfries and Galloway residents and their dogs; Scotland’s junior handler, Andrew Mair and his dog Wispa from Meikleholm Farm, the host venue for the International Trials; Alistair Stewart and dog Midge from Boreland; and Ian McMillan and his dog Lamp from Carse of Clary, Newton Stewart.
Wispa, an enthusiastic three-year-old Border Collie, is fast becoming the face of the International Trials, and she led a parade of young supporters up the Moffat Sheep Races course on Sunday.
Andrew said: “Wispa is a fantastic dog but it’s going to be tough.
“I’m really looking forward to this competition which inspires and encourages other young handlers from all over the UK to get involved and to compete at the highest level.”