A BIGGAR farmer has taken the top gong at the Lanark, Lothians and Peebles sheepdog handling awards.

Trainer Julie Hill recently hosted the Young Handler Awards at her farm in Heriot.

And Alan Maclarty took the top accolade, which was established by patron Stephen Cobbald in memory of his daughter Charlotte.

She was a talented young sheep farmer who took her own life in 2015 after a battle with anorexia.

Alan told us: “I have learned and gained so many wonderful skills and training methods that will help me so much in in the future.

“I am so grateful for Stephen Cobbald for giving me the opportunity. Also, for Julie Hill’s teaching and all the members of the LLP for their wise words and help in the past year.”

Eleven young people attended the awards held at Carcant farm, after successfully completing a training programme on the theory and practise of handling sheepdogs.

And the ceremony was presented by Julie, who has more than 30 years of shepherding experience on hilly and rough grounds.

She is also the only woman to have won both the prestigious Supreme International and International Brace Championships.

Julie said: “The most important thing is stockmanship and how to develop an affinity for sheep so that youngsters can educate their young trainee dog how to have a feel for sheep so that they move them in a stress-free manner.

“As an industry the welfare of all stock has to be the priority and we need to ensure that the highest standards are promoted and upheld by all involved.”

There was also a special award for 12-year-old Tyler McKinlay from Coulter in recognition of her commitment and determination in the LLP Novice League.

She won three out of the seven trials against 10 other adult handlers with her dog, King. The training comprised of seven days between November and February.

This year the young handlers ranged from those in their twenties, teenagers in their first farming apprenticeships and to children aged 12.