Fur Nations showdown at Glamis Castle

AN energetic army of canines and their companions is readying itself to repel the challenge of Auld Enemy invaders in the historic setting of Glamis Castle this weekend.

In what will be a return visit of one of the country’s fastestgrowing sports, the turreted landmark will play host to three days of canine crosscountry as Team Scotland bids to take the lead in the chase for the Fur Nations championship crown.

The pursuit pits owners and their pets against each other on a 5km or 10km challenge through the castle grounds, with almost 150 pairings signed up for the second event to be held in Angus.

Owners wear a waist belt with a two-metre bungee cord attached to their pooch’s padded harness so the pair can work in harmony on the course.

The host nation is going allout to bag maximum points from three days of competition, which get under way tomorrow ahead of the championship showdown south of the border next month.

Scottish team organiser Karen Connal said: “Canicross is a sport for everyone, fast and slow, and dogs little and large.

“The first leg of the Fur Nations was in Wales and the Scottish team is lying in second place, behind Wales and ahead of England.

“The final leg is at Cannock Chase in England in May but we are hoping that by the end of this weekend we’ll be in an unbeatable position.”