Huskies line up for Highland race

The Huskies are excited about the contest

Up to 1,000 husky dogs and their owners are preparing for one of the UK's largest ever dog racing events which begins in Scotland on Friday.

Sled dog enthusiasts have flocked to the Highlands to see 225 teams of dogs and their drivers going for glory in a gruelling weekend rally.

The 2003 Royal Canin Aviemore Sled Dog Rally, organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, follows the shoreline of Loch Morlich in the Cairngorm Forest, near Aviemore.

Organisers said the event, attracting competitors from as far afield as the Isle of Wight and Devon, is the biggest gathering of its kind in the UK.

Huskies are typically associated with pulling sleds on polar expeditions.

They are bred for their endurance and stamina, even in sub-zero conditions.

Organiser Penny Evans of the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain said Scottish mushers - the drivers of the dog teams - will be defending their record last year of winning five first and three second places.

The dog rally will be the 20th Aviemore Rally - the first race took place in 1984 with just 12 teams.