You don’t need to know anything about sheep dog trialling to be completely captivated by it.

Four days of world-class competition by the most highly skilled handlers and dogs in the world, alongside a countryside experience that’s worth travelling for.

Rural skills demos, a speed shear, local crafts, farming stars, great food and drink and a welcoming atmosphere in the beautiful Scottish Borders countryside.

Come for a day. Stay for all four. Either way, there’s every reason to come by.

For four days in September 2026, the Scottish Borders becomes the centre of the sheep dog world.

The championship is held on a real working family farm, where sheep are gathered and handled by dogs all year round, making this event a real showcase of the traditions and heritage of this part of Scotland.

The competition will see the finest handlers and dogs from 31 nations working to be crowned World Champion on the sport’s hardest stage. It is gripping to watch even if you’ve never seen a trial before, and by the end of your first day spectating, you’ll be reading the field like a local.

But the World Trial is much more than the runs on the course.

Around the competition, a whole countryside gathering takes shape. There are rural skills to watch, farming influencers to meet, country crafts to browse, lots of fun activities, and a delicious spread of local food and drink to give you a real flavour of the Scottish Borders. Families are welcome, the atmosphere is unhurried and friendly, and there’s space to make a proper day of it.

The event opens on 16 September 2026 and the competition runs from Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 September. You can come for a single day or follow the drama all the way to the final, either way, you’ll have seen something that happens in this country only once every three years.

Admission Adult day admission is £10. Under 16s go free. Car parking is £5.

Come for a day. Stay for all four. Either way, there’s every reason to come by.