Bowhill Estate and Old Pepper

Bowhill Estate: A Jewel of the Scottish Borders

Bowhill Estate, near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, is the historic home of the Duke of Buccleuch and one of Scotland’s most picturesque country houses. Renowned for its stunning architecture, expansive grounds, and significant art collection, Bowhill also holds a unique place in Scottish cultural history. Its ties to Sir Walter Scott, a close friend of the Buccleuch family, and the celebrated Dandie Dinmont Terrier, make it a key part of the region’s literary and canine legacy.


Sir Walter Scott, Bowhill, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Sir Walter Scott’s 1815 novel Guy Mannering introduced readers to Dandie Dinmont, a farmer from the Scottish Borders who owned a distinctive line of terriers named “Pepper” and “Mustard.” The character was inspired by real-life farmer James Davidson of Hindlee, a minister-farmer known for his hardy terriers. These terriers were prized for their hunting skills, particularly in tracking otters and badgers, and their charming yet tenacious nature.

The First Portrait of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The first-known portrait of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier was commissioned by Sir Walter Scott himself and painted by artist Sir Edwin Landseer, one of the most celebrated animal painters of the 19th century. The painting features Scott’s own terrier, believed to be part of the lineage that inspired Guy Mannering. This portrait helped popularize the breed, showcasing its distinctive features and noble demeanor, and is regarded as a cornerstone in the breed’s artistic history.


James Kerr and the Discovery of Old Pepper

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed’s lineage can be traced to a foundational dog named Old Pepper, a terrier discovered by James Kerr, a Game Keeper working in the Scottish Borders. Kerr stumbled upon Old Pepper and recognized his exceptional qualities as a working and hunting dog. Old Pepper became one of the earliest sires of the modern Dandie Dinmont Terrier and is often considered a “patriarch” of the breed.

Old Pepper’s significance lies not only in his role as a foundational sire but also in the pride of the Borders community in preserving the breed’s heritage. His genetic influence can still be traced in the pedigrees of many Dandie Dinmont Terriers today.


The Old Pepper Walk

To honor the breed’s origins and its connection to the Borders, the Old Pepper Walk was established as a commemorative walking route near Bowhill and the surrounding countryside. This walk follows trails through the landscapes where early terriers like Old Pepper worked and hunted, offering participants a chance to reflect on the breed’s history and its ties to the land. Along the way, walkers can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Borders, steeped in the stories of Sir Walter Scott and the terriers that inspired Guy Mannering.

The walk serves as both a tribute to the hardy little dogs and a celebration of the Borders’ enduring connection to nature, literature, and tradition.


Legacy of Bowhill and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Bowhill Estate remains a symbol of the rich history and culture of the Scottish Borders, and its connection to Sir Walter Scott ensures its place in the legacy of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The discovery of Old Pepper by James Kerr, the enduring fame of Scott’s Guy Mannering, and the commemoration of the Old Pepper Walk all highlight the deep ties between the land, its people, and its remarkable terriers.

Whether through the preservation of Scott’s literary heritage or the celebration of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier’s unique place in history, Bowhill and the Borders continue to honor their shared past, ensuring the story of Old Pepper and the terriers lives on for future generations.