A total of 18 dogs ran at the annual novice dog trials held at Kirkton Farm, Melvich, last Saturday which were supported by GMG energy, Low Carbon UK Wind Development Company and Melvich Community Council.

The weather on the day was mixed, but the event was very well supported with a good turnout of both competitors and spectators.

Juanella Findlay, of Kirkton Farm, said: “It was a great day and good to see such a good turnout, a bit of chilly wind, but thankfully it stayed dry.”

Judge Jan Mackenzie from Badenloch was impressed with the performance of the dogs in the face of the weather conditions and often recalcitrant sheep.

She said afterwards: “The standard of dogs was very good and they handled the sometimes tricky sheep in quite challenging conditions.”

The winner was Daniel Worthington from Scarsferry with Buzz, at 81 points. Tommy MacPhee, Reiss, Wick, with Roy, took the runner-up position, scoring 76 points. And in third place was Magnus Sutherland from Halkirk with Gail at 74 points.

Ms Findlay said: “We would like to say a big thank you to all the local businesses who supported the trials with special thanks to GMG energy, Low Carbon UK Wind Development Company and Melvich Community Council for its micro-grant.”