Of Dogs and Men

I read John Barrington's book with growing delight. This working shepherd writes beautifully about his animals, about the wildlife, trees and flowers which surround him at all times, and he paints an unforgettable picture of his glorious corner of Western Scotland. It is a lovely story of a rather wonderful life. JAMES HERRIOT on Red Sky at Night

JOHN BARRINGTON is an established storyteller and author, who herded 750 Scottish Blackface sheep on the 2,000ft Perthshire mountains above Loch Katrine.

Successful at sheepdog trials, shepherd and dogs have given demonstration of their ancient craft at two Garden Festivals and many shows, galas and Highland Games.

In 1998, the Scottish Qualifications Authority asked John Barrington to design a course in sheepdog handling and management, which took two years to undertake. The first classes were run at Oatridge Agricultural College, near Edinburgh, in 2000, the author at the helm. Students were enrolled from Ireland, England and all parts of Scotland.

With a good eye for sheep, John Barrington has judged classes of sheep at the Royal Highland Show, in Edinburgh and around Europe.

Like most shepherds, Barrington is a natural storyteller, a gift he exercises at schools, clubs and societies, and as an after dinner speaker. Stories are recounted on the move during daytime guided tours and twilight ghost walks, and as a commentator at a dozen or so Highland Games each year. Stories told to enliven his whisky tasting sessions are always presented in the right spirit! His first book, Red Sky at Night, was a UK bestseller and won him a Scottish Arts Council book award.