Borders glassmaker makes poignant award for The George Crawford Legacy Trust

A one-off glass trophy made in Selkirk will be presented to the top-qualifying Young Handler at the Sheep Dog World Trial at Lauder this September, in memory of a young Borders man who loved the countryside and its working dogs.

The award has been commissioned by The George Crawford Legacy Trust and created by Andrew Holmes of Holmes Glass, the family-run glassblowing business he runs with his father, Peter.

The trophy’s colours are drawn from the Borders landscape: green fields, white clouds and blue sky. Andrew made several prototypes before the final piece was chosen by George’s mother, Mary.

Andrew Holmes said: “We were really pleased to be asked to create the award for the Young Handler competition at the World Trial. The Borders landscape has always found its way into our work, so capturing the feeling of the countryside George loved in glass was a natural fit. We made a few versions and Mary chose the one that felt right to her. We hope the young handler who receives it will treasure it.”

The George Crawford Legacy Trust was set up in memory of George Crawford, from Melrose, who died following a road accident at the tragically young age of 20. George’s parents, Cameron and Mary Crawford, decided to set up the Trust to honour his life.

Cameron, his father, explains, “Our son had a sense of fun and freedom about life, and he tackled everyday tasks with a ‘glass half full’ attitude. He was a very outgoing young man who loved life and loved to help out others. We try to replicate this action through the work of the charity, which keeps his memory alive and at the same time allows others to live life to the full.”

George loved the countryside, outdoor pursuits and had a soft spot for Border Collies and the working dog community, so when an opportunity arose to support the Young Handlers competition at the World Trials, the Trust was delighted to get involved.

The unique glass piece will be presented to the worthy winner of Top Qualifier Young Handler on Sunday 20th September at the Sheep Dog World Trial, taking place at Huntington Farm near Lauder.

The triennial event has attracted over 300 entries from across 34 nations around the world and is a true homage and a celebration of the iconic Border Collie breed, which is intrinsically linked to the area’s sheep dog and shepherding heritage.

Fiona McMillan, Scottish President of the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) and the chair of the World Trial says;
“To bring the Sheep Dog World Trial home to the Scottish Borders is a genuine privilege and a great honour. This is the landscape that shaped the working sheepdog, and in September the very best in the world will gather to compete at the highest level.  

“A personal highlight for me will be seeing The George Crawford Legacy Trust supporting the next generation of talented sheepdog handlers. This beautiful trophy created in the Scottish Borders is a fitting tribute to their son’s lasting legacy.”