Rally the wheel thing for sled dogs

Husky enthusiasts from across the UK gathered for the biggest event in the British sled dog calendar at the weekend.

More than 200 teams and 1,000 dogs took part in the rally in Glenmore Forest Park near Aviemore, despite the lack of snow.

Those hoping for an authentic Arctic experience had to swap sleds for three-wheeled trollies instead.

Organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, the rally runs on tracks around Loch Morlich in the shadow of the Cairngorms. Now in its 28th year, it is the biggest gathering of its kind in the UK for dogs which were first bred to pull sleds in Arctic conditions hundreds of years ago.

Teams of between two and eight dogs, running as fast as 20mph race around a four-mile track.

Alaskan malamutes, sam-oyeds, Greenland dogs and Canadian Eskimo dogs take part in the rally, alongside Siberian huskies.

Judy Wakker, one of the organisers, said: "We've had a fantastic weekend. The weather and the track conditions were really good. Everyone has enjoyed themselves, including the spectators who turned out over the weekend.

"We'd like to thank our sponsors Arden Grange, the Forestry Commission Scotland and all the people of Aviemore for making us all so welcome.

"Some of the mushers have been saying they have already booked their accommodation for next year."

Jack Mackay, from Forestry Commission Scotland in Inverness, said: "We are pleased to work with the club to organise this great event. It's a magnificent spectacle."