The population of a Highland town could almost double over the next four days as Tain prepares to host the country’s first ever World Sheepdog Trials.
From September 3 to 6, an estimated 3,200 people will visit Fearn Farm to watch 240 competitors from 25 nations herd up to 700 sheep, in the battle to be named top dog.
Part of the Homecoming Scotland 2014 funded events programme, the annual global competition, which is held every three years, is billed as “the Olympics of the sheepdog world”, with competitors coming from all across Europe as well as the USA, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Brazil and Japan.
As well as attracting a number of international supporters, the event is also expected to draw visitors from across the country, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Organised by Scottish members of the International Sheep Dog Society, the event will begin with an opening parade and civic reception in Tain this evening. As well as the official contest, which concludes on Saturday, spectators will also be treated to trial demonstrations, vintage farming displays and trade and craft stalls.
The 2014 World Sheepdog Trials in Tain marks the beginning of Highland Homecoming, a two-month celebration of the very best in heritage, culture and sport in North Scotland.
Supported by a Homecoming fund of £170,000, the packed programme includes:
o Blas Festival (September 5-13)
o Highland Military Tattoo at Fort George (September 5-7)
o Inverness Highland Meeting which includes the world’s biggest Highland Games event – the Masters World Championship (September 12-14)
o Camanachd Cup shinty final, Inverness, (September 13)
o Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running (September 27 -28)
o Scotland’s biggest Gaelic Cultural Festival – The Royal National Mòd, returns to Inverness (October 10-18)
o The world-class downhill tracks at Fort William’s Nevis Range, hosted by WEMBO World Solo 24Hr MTB Championship (October 11-12)
o Inverness Street Theatre Festival (October16-18)
Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: “The rich heritage and fantastic scenery of the Scottish Highlands has long captured the imaginations of people across the world, and over the next two months the Highland Homecoming will build on this global reputation by showcasing the very best that this historic region has to offer, starting with the 2014 World Sheepdog Trials.
“Scotland is welcoming the world in 2014 and it is fantastic that both the people of Scotland and our visitors are embracing many of the events being supported as part of the Homecoming 2014 celebrations. All events are designed to celebrate the very best of Scotland’s food and drink, our assets as a country of natural beauty as well as our rich creativity and cultural and ancestral heritage.
“With the Highland Homecoming set to begin and the Ryder Cup Opening Gala Concert and MTV Europe Music Awards still to come, it is clear that Homecoming 2014 will continue to see Scotland shine on the international stage.”
Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland said: “What is fantastic about Highland Homecoming is that it showcases the very best in Scottish tradition and culture against the breath-taking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. We look forward to welcoming the world over the next two months and I am sure this packed programme will offer something to suit all tastes.”