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GLENGOLLY DOGS Glengolly is a working croft with North Country Cheviot Sheep, so the Border Collies are used for many tasks. They gather in the sheep from the many acres of hill ground where they are put out to graze, the sheep are then sorted at fanks (sheep holding pens), and moved to wherever their destination is. The dogs are required to assist with this work such as pushing them up the shedder and guiding them into trailers. Some of the stock are walked to their respective crofts, and this can be dangerous as the roads are very busy during the summer months.
The dogs are also a necessity at other times of the year such as lambing, shearing, and dipping. There are currently seven border collies on the croft – Mac who is semi retired; Glen; Bob; Sweep; and Flash. The youngest members Spot and Flo are Flash’s offspring. Martin likes to train his pups himself and they are either bred by him or bought at around eight weeks old. Training begins when the pups are a few months old although this can vary from dog to dog, depending on their ability. When time permits Martin competes in local sheepdog trials with varying degrees of success!
For more information about the area visit the Durness web site www.durness.org e-mail martin@glengolly.com |
