TV series returns...

The popular sheepdog trials TV series Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach returns to our screens for the new year.
The 12-part series covers both the big, high pressure trials including the 2009 Scottish National and the International in Cumbria, as well as smaller local trials like those at Balquhidder, Atholl and Weem and on the islands of the Hebridean circuit.
The Scottish National was held in August at Cocklicks Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire in the Scottish Borders.
Cocklicks Farm successfully hosted the Scottish National trials in 1999 and 2003. The Dumfries and Galloway committee of local handlers and trials enthusiasts was set up in 2007 to organise the 2009 event.
The judges were Sam Rae, from Dalmellington, and Johnny Robinson, from Coldstream.
Presenters Catriona MacPhee and Donald MacSween follow the fate of champion Bobby Dalziel with Joe and the other Scottish team members who went on to compete at the International sheepdog trials at Lowther Park, Cumbria, in September.
Viewers will also get the chance to assess Catriona and Donald's skills at dog whispering.
Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach is produced for Gaelic channel BBC Alba by mneTV and will be broadcast on BBC Alba on Tuesday evenings from January 5th.
BBC Alba is available on Sky channel 168, on Freesat channel 110 and missed programmes can be found within seven days of original transmission on BBC iPlayer.

Presenter Donald MacSween is pictured interviewing 2009 Welsh champion Gwyn Jones after his run with Clwyd Nell at the International (PIC: k9tales).