Top dogs compete for trophies at county trials

THE SHETLAND County Sheepdog Trials were held at Swinister, Gott, last Saturday afternoon.

The 12 highest pointed dogs over the summer season in the Shetland trials competed for the Cecil Nicolson Trophy and the two highest pointed in the brace competed for the Harbro Trophy.

The Yell committee were responsible for running the trial and did an excellent job.

At the end of the day the chairman Andrew Nicolson thanked the Leslies of Laxfirth for the use of the field; Jerry Ramsay for the sheep; Elsbeth Clark for presenting the prizes; Robert Tulloch for doing the judging; the Yell committee for a job well done; Mabel and George for an excellent barbeque and all who had helped to make it another successful trial.

The judge praised the slippers, Edward Leask and Ogilvie Brown, for the excellent way the sheep were put to the post and Jerry Ramsay for the high quality of his sheep.

A spokesman said the committee wished to thank Robert Tulloch for donating a shepherd’s crook which made £50, a big help to the funds.

Prize list (points out of a possible 110): 1 Billy Morrison with Roy, 101 points; 2 Andrew Nicolson with Fleck, 96; 3 Andrew J. Hughson with Bob, 95; 4 Jerry Ramsay with Ben, 91; 5 Andrew Nicolson with Kate, 90; 6 Gareth Clark with Spot, 90.

Brace (points out of possible 140): Marcus Georgeson with Bet and Bill, 109.

Andrew Nicolson won the Gilbert Nicolson Memorial Trophy for the highest pointed dog over any three trials in Shetland with Fleck and 270 points.