The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Ballinluig sheepdog trials coming to the small screen
Return: Show will be broadcast on BBC Alba this evening
In its 1980s heyday, the family favourite One Man And His Dog boasted TV audiences of well over eight million.
Now BBC bosses have confirmed a new show celebrating the highly competitive world of sheepdog trials, is coming to our screens.
Farpaisean Chon-chaorach, which simply translates as Sheepdog Trials, begins a six-part run on BBC Alba today.
Hosts Donald Macsween and Catriona Macphee will present the very best of the action from the Scottish Nationals, held in Ballinluig, Highland Perthshire.
The reborn show, produced by Bees Nees Media, is now in its 10th year.
As well as the local competitions, the series features extensive coverage of the international contest which took place over challenging grounds in the Cotswolds.
Mr Macsween said: “It’s great to be back with all the best sheep handlers and sheepdogs in the world. Having been covering this community for the past decade, it’s given us an insight into sheepdog trialling and the people involved with it and I feel privileged to have been part of that.”
As well as showcasing all the tension and skill from the trial fields, the new series includes interviews with leading shepherds, as well as shining the spotlight on some lesser known countrywide events.
The traditional trials at Ballinluig were held in August and featured strong competition from up and down the country.
Hundreds of spectators turned out for the three-day event, with around 150 competitors putting their dogs through their paces. The competition also delivered a boost to the local economy, with many fans staying over at local hotels, guesthouses and camp sites.
Farpaisean Chon-chaorach focused on contests held at Blairgowrie last year.
The show starts at 9pm and will be available on the iplayer streaming service for 30 days.
jabuchan@thecourier.co.uk
It’s the unlikely television hit that harks back to a gentler age – and a formula that clearly still has legs today. The Scottish remix of 1980s phenomenon One Man And His Dog returns to our screens tonight to enchant a new generation with its world of whistles, sheep and cries of “come by” and “away to me” – all set against a stunning Perthshire backdrop. As a nation nurses its collective hangover and peeks over the parapet at the prospect of another tumultuous year, there are worse ways to spend an evening.