News > Latest Press Release
15 December 2008
Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach International Sheepdog Trials on BBC ALBA
BBC ALBA, the new Gaelic channel, is delighted to announce that it is broadcasting coverage of the International Sheepdog trials.
Highlights from the International Sheepdog trials, the Blue Riband event in the calendar of sheepdog trialling, that took place at Kinmel Park, Abergele, North Wales where the top 15 trialists from each nation, Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales competed against each other, will be broadcast on BBC ALBA this Friday, 19 December.
The World Sheepdog Trials that has seen over 240 dogs and handlers from 22 different countries flock to Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, will also be broadcast on BBC ALBA, Friday 26 December.
Producer, Kathryn Johnson at MNE Media said: “The return of sheepdog trialling to our screens is something I have always been keen to see, and the launch of the new BBC ALBA service has provided the perfect opportunity to once again showcase this captivating sport.
“Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach has been greeted with great enthusiasm from all within the sheep dog trialing circles and the many, many fans who enjoy this unrivalled display of skill and connection between animal and handler. Despite the elements putting up a challenge on more than one occasion, the series has been an absolute joy to produce and we hope it will continue to be greatly received in order to return to the circuit next year.”
Presenter, Catriona Macphee said: "Having grown up watching 'One Man and his dog' with my dad, I couldn't wait to get out and meet the handlers and more importantly see them and their dogs in action. Everyone I told about Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach had some memory of having watched sheepdog trialling on TV at some point in their lives and were really looking forward to it being aired especially given the Gaelic slant.
“Every one of the handlers and shepherds were really passionate about their sport and that comes across in their dedication to it and the great feeling of community within the sport; distances didn't seem to matter, they all knew each other, I just loved that. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the handlers and there were a good few characters in amongst them.”
Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach was produced for BBC ALBA by MNE Media and will be broadcast on Friday 19th December at 21:00 with a repeat going out on Sunday 21st at 22:00. The World Sheepdog Trials is being broadcast on Friday 26th at 20:00.
ENDS
For More information contact Lorna Inglis at Media House on 0141 220 6040 / lorna@mediahouse.co.uk or Kathryn Johnson at MNE Media on 0141 223 9059 / kathryn@mnemedia.tv
Notes to Editors:
Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach is produced for BBC ALBA by MNE Media, one of Scotland’s leading independent production companies. (For further information see www.mnemedia.tv)
BBC ALBA is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110. (For further information see www.bbcalba.co.uk)
BBC ALBA is expected to become available on cable in due course. Subject to review by the BBC Trust, BBC ALBA will become available on Freeview after digital switchover in 2010.
For more information on accessing BBC ALBA visit our website: www.mgalba.com.
MG ALBA and the BBC have established a partnership to deliver digital television, radio and online services in Gaelic. The BBC ALBA service broadcasts under a BBC licence. To find out more about how the partnership works visit www.mgalba.com.
MG ALBA is the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service), which is funded by the Scottish Government and regulated by Ofcom. MG ALBA stands for Meadhanan Gàidhlig Alba, or Gaelic Media Scotland.
