A Skye crofter and champion sheep-dog trialler is hoping that visitors to Skye will soon be flocking to his croft at Bernisdale when his new tourist attraction opens for business.

Kenneth Cameron MacKinnon, who is better known as KC, has been crofting for 35 years and is well known throughout Scotland for sheep dog trialling demonstrations at agricultural shows, where he entertains spectators by rounding-up ducks as well as sheep. Over the years he has provided demonstrations for visitors on an ad-hoc basis at his croft but now plans to make them a regular attraction.

The demonstrations will provide visitors with the opportunity to experience working dogs in action and a converted shed will house an exhibition on sheep dogs, sheep husbandry and crofting life in general. Mr MacKinnon, who is involved in the Agricultural Training Board, providing instruction on crook making and sheep dog handling, also has a collection of crofting artefacts past and present which will be displayed along with information on their use.

Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, are helping Mr MacKinnon with the new project, which will create at least one full-time job. A funding package worth approximately £9,750 (pounds) will go towards the cost of constructing a viewing area for visitors, toilets, land improvements and interpretation panels. It will also assist with the production of promotional material for the new attraction, which will be distributed at local tourist information centres and in visitor packs.

Mr MacKinnon, who is the current Scotland and International Brace Champion said: "The sheep dog demonstrations were always very popular with visitors to the croft and at agricultural shows so formalising them is a logical progression. Crofting is a way of life in Scotland and an important part of our heritage so I feel we should share the crofting experience with visitors to the area."

Development manager at SALE, Graham Campbell said: "This attraction is the first of its kind in the area and offers visitors to Skye a unique experience. Tourism is extremely important to the economy of Skye and Lochalsh it is therefore important to encourage a diverse range of attractions.

"KC's new attraction will introduce a new innovative visitor experience, enhancing the overall value of the tourism product in Skye and Lochalsh".