Again he showed how good a rider he has become with a time that put him top of the youth category and eighth overall, just a week after his win in Wales in the National Point Series where he now just needs to finish in the top five to take the overall championship at youth level.

A lucky break in the weather meant conditions were good at Ae Forest, just north of Dumfries, with the forecast washout failing to materialise.

Arran took the opportunity to steal another victory with a two-and-a-half-second lead over second-placed Lewis Buchanan from Innerleithen.

Arran said: "I went across on Friday and used Saturday to practise for the runs on Sunday. It was a good weekend and the weather was good, which makes a big difference.

"If it's raining then it might be dry for one run and then wet for the next, which makes it harder. Plus, you might have to use different tyres, which slows you down.

"But it went well and I'm pleased with how I got on.

"This year's been going well – better than last," he added and it would be hard to disagree.

With SDA wins at Dunkeld, Fort William and Ae Forest, three out of three wins in the National Points Series and the Scottish Youth Championships title in July, the teenager is the one to beat.

The win at Ae Forest gives the Selkirk High School pupil a strong position in the SDA series, but he won't be able to lift the series trophy this year after missing the third round at Aberfeldy in June.

He explained: "I missed that when I went to compete in the Maxis Cup in Spain. Last year, you could miss a round and still finish top, but this year the rules have changed. It's not the greatest rule, but at least it's the same for everyone.

"Now I'm just looking forward to the fifth SDA race in Innerleithen next month and hopefully I can do well in the National Points Series at Carlton Bank too."

The next and final SDA race of the year will be at Innerleithen on September 14.

The following week, Arran will take part in the final NPS event at new venue Carlton Bank.