Saturday saw the long-awaited return of sheepdog trials in the north of Scotland.

Organised by Dennis Simpson, by permission of the Cormack family, the Mey Nursery Trials attracted nearly 30 competitors from far and wide – all complying with the Scottish Government regulations and social distancing guidelines.

The winner was Caithness native and sheepdog trialling veteran Michael Shearer, of Lythmore Farm, Westfield, with his 13-month-old dog Rab. With a perfect outrun to difficult sheep, Michael soon settled them down after the fetch gates and had the best drive of the day.

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For a young dog, Rab worked well at the pen with difficult Cheviot hoggs and then had a great shed once the opportunity presented itself. A total of 77 points saw Michael take the title home to Lythmore.

Second place went to Ian Sutherland of Strathnaver, with his dog Moss, who also finished on 77 points but was beaten by Michael on outbye work. Jasmine Grant from Dunbeath asserted the Caithness dominance on the podium, taking third spot with her bitch Brynn.

Jasmine also finished in the prize list with her second dog, Pat, who is also eligible for next year’s nursery trials.

Judge for the day was Alice Muir from Spittal.

Results: 1, Michael Shearer and Rab, 77 points; 2 Ian Sutherland and Moss, 77 pts; 3 Jasmine Grant and Brynn, 76 pts; 4 George Cormack and Flash, 76 pts; 5 Kelsey Keith and Tan, 75 points; 6 Geordie Simpson and Joe, 74 pts; 7 Geordie Simpson and Gin, 68 pts; 8 Will Cormack and Maid, 68 pts; 9 Scott Renwick and Dell, 68 pts; 10 Mure Grant and Lass, 68 pts; 11 Jasmine Grant and Pat, 68 pts; 12 Lynn Ronaldson and Bob, 62 pts.

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