Scotland will have a new celebrity come September with the announcement of Scotland’s top farm dog.
However before any television interviews or Hollywood film roles can be organised, the search must take place to find the lucky canine.
The launch of the nationwide search began today with the help of Jess and Doug, the canine stars of BBC’s Lambing Live.
The antics of the mother and son duo this spring have caused them to become unexpected favourites with millions of viewers who tuned in to watch the trials and tribulations of lambing on the Dykes family farm, South Slipperfield at West Linton, south of Edinburgh.
The search, launched by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and supported by the Scottish SPCA, is for a working, or retired from working, farm dog with ‘exceptional’ qualities.
The overall winner is set to be announced at the time of the 2014 World Sheepdog Trials, taking place at Fearn Farm near Tain (courtesy of the Scott family) on September 3-6.
“We hope this initiative will raise the profile of these ‘unsung heroes’ of Scottish livestock farming,” said QMS chief executive Uel Morton.
The winner’s owner will receive £250 vouchers for the purchase of quality dog food, or other items to benefit the dog, and a selection of framed professional photographs of their dog on the farm. The winner and two runners up, will also receive a Scotch Lamb PGI goodie bag.
The closing date is August 20 for farmers wishing to enter their canine companions.
To enter, simply email QMS at info@qmscotland.co.uk or message the QMS page on Facebook no more than 150 words saying why the dog should win. Where possible a photograph of the dog should also be sent.