With just over a week to go - Dougie the Doonhamer is in full training for the biggest race of his life!  No he's not entered the local sheepdog trials, he's getting set to take on the might of Scottish football's mascots.

He will be up against other furry friends from clubs across Scotland at Hamilton Park racecourse on Friday 26th of August, as he competes in the Ladbrokes 2016 Mascot challenge.

With a determination to win, Dougie has been getting himself in shape and recently joined the Queens U20 squad to be put through his paces.

Community coach Dan Armstrong who enjoyed giving Dougie an exercise master class said "Dougie really wants to bring the trophy back to Dumfries and show everyone that it's not just the first team who are striving for success this season.  Given his attitude towards the race, we felt it only fair that we supported him with his challenge and therefore we were happy to help him step up his training to make sure he is in the best shape possible for the 26th. We wish him well and hope he successfully brings back some silverware.  However, given he is staying on for the races afterwards, we hope he doesn't celebrate too much".