World’s best sheepdogs take to the field in Scotland for 2026 trials

Four days of competition began this morning (September 17) at the Sheepdog World Trial 2026 in Scotland, with over 300 handlers and their dogs from 34 nations competing.

Competitors have travelled to the site at at Huntington Farm, near Lauder, in the Scottish Borders from as far afield as Argentina, Japan, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to contest world championship titles.

The 16 highest-pointed dogs will go forward to the finals on Sunday.

The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday (September 16), when a flock of sheep was driven onto the competition field, followed by the Preston Lodge High School Pipe Band and the competition officials.

Pupils from Lauder Primary School, each carrying a national flag, then led the competitors out onto the field, starting with Team Scotland.

The ceremony also included speeches from Scottish Government Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, Jim Fairlie, and Councillor Euan Jardine, leader of Scottish Borders Council, who both spoke about their own connections to shepherding.

Border collie

Scottish president of the International Sheep Dog Society and chair of the World Trial, Fiona McMillan said: “The border collie comes from this part of the world, and having the World Trial here in the Scottish Borders matters a great deal to me.

“The competitors keep telling us how welcome they and their dogs have been made to feel.

“I knew the Borders would look after them, and I want to thank everyone who has had a hand in that. The whole place is buzzing.”

At Expert Corner, next to a big screen showing the runs live, sheepdog trialling experts will explain what is happening on the trial fields.

Among them are Borders-born shepherdess Emma Gray and Ben Best of Dalscone Farm, both well-known on social media, who will commentate on Sunday’s finals.

McMillan added: “We’ve got four days of the best handlers and dogs in the world ahead of us.

“You don’t need to know anything about trialling to enjoy it, and there’s loads to do for all the family, so come along and find out what all the fuss is about.”

Donegal duo

A sheep and cattle farmer from Ballybofey, Donegal will be competing at the event.

James P. McGee is at the trial with his four-year-old border collie, Roeldog Becca and reserve dog Glencregg Silver.

James P. McGee, Roeldog Becca and reserve dog Glencregg Silver

McGee said: “Roeldog Becca has a super temperament, super qualities and is super talented and is a one in a million dog.

“I have had some very successful dogs over the years.”

He said that every dog is unique “with their own characteristics, and individual way with working stock”, adding that Roeldog Becca “rises to the big occasions”.

The full programme and tickets for the event are available on the Sheep Dog World Trial website.

Adult day admission is £10, under-16s go free and parking is £5. Tickets are also available on the gate.

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