Husky heroes make funding appeal

Racers say Scotland has ideal facilities for sled dog events

Two recently-crowned triple world champions have made an appeal for more funding for their sport in Scotland.

Steven Lindsay, of Keir Mill near Dumfries, and Keith Johnson, of Kilmaurs in Ayrshire won the sled dog Dryland World Championships in Germany.

The event is the world's biggest non-snow race and it is the third year in a row the Scots have triumphed.

Mr Lindsay said the "sky would be the limit" for the nation's competitors if better financial support was available.

He is project manager of Dog Sport Scotland which is partly funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council and supported by Forestry Commission Scotland.

He said that while the local sponsorship was welcome, the country's top teams deserved more backing.

"I'm absolutely delighted to retain my title as world champion for the third year in a row," he said.

We strongly believe that the sport is now at a stage where funding could create sports stars out of Scotland's top competitors Steven Lindsay

"Having Scottish teams once again winning the two most prestigious titles in this championship confirms that we're now the nation to watch for sled dog racing internationally.

"The Scottish approach to this sport is absolutely unique and we were proud to showcase our skills in front of a 20,000-strong crowd."

Fellow Dumfries racer Graeme Scott also made the German trip - finishing second in his class.

However, Mr Lindsay fears the sport could be held back by a lack of proper funding.

"The sky would be the limit for our many outstanding Scottish racing teams if we had the resources of other sports," he said.

It is a view shared by his Ayrshire counterpart who said that extra finance could help build on recent successes.

Steven Lindsay has taken three world titles in the sport

"I would love to take my racing to the next level and try to win one of the major snow-based races but at the moment financial restrictions make that difficult," said Mr Johnson.

"It would be fantastic if our triple win attracted increased sponsorship or funding into the sport.

"I'd encourage anyone who wants to find out more about supporting Scotland's fastest-growing winter sport to get in touch."

'World leader'

Dog Sport Scotland is currently working to create two sled dog racing and training sites in the forests of Ae and Castle O'er in Dumfries and Galloway.

"We strongly believe that the sport is now at a stage where funding could create sports stars out of Scotland's top competitors," said Mr Lindsay.

"Scotland is a world leader in sled dog skills, talent and international titles but the level of funding we receive lags woefully behind the rest of the world.

"We'd love to be able to turn that situation around."