Please remember to follow us on twitter and Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/818395364882358
We are delighted to announce that as part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, we have been invited to host the 2021 Dandie Derby at Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford is just outside Melrose and only 5 miles from our usual venue at The Haining in Selkirk.
Another successful Dandie Derby event took place. There was 128 Dandie Dinmont owners and 85 Dandie were at the event.
Abbotsford pulled out all of the stops and liaised with Scottish Borders Council so the event could take place. We also raised £375 for Abbotsford Trust, well done everyone.
FRIDAY 4th JUNE 2021
We presented a cheque to the Trustees of The Haining for the sponsored bench which our Dandie Derby supporters recently crowdfunded. If you wish to donate, the crowd funding is still live Fundraiser by Kenny Allan : Commemorative seat at The Haining Estate (gofundme.com)
SATURDAY 5th JUNE 2021
The weather was great to be honest a little to hot for our dogs, however there was plenty of shade for our warm doggies.
The event started of with Riddly Fiddlies and they went down a storm. Matt Seattle played the premier of “Old Ginger jig” on Border Pipes.
We also had 12 puppies at Dandie Derby, this is the most ever, considering there was only 81 born in UK last year
Below is a clip that just summed up the event, hope you enjoy
SUNDAY 6th JUNE 2021
We are meeting at 10.45am at Oxnam Kirk, the resting place of James Davidson or Mr Dandie Dinmont who died 200 years ago plus 1 . We are celebrating his life at this iconic location by holding a memorial service at 11am which will be conducted by Minister Marion Dodd.
Meet up again at Ednam House Hotel in Kelso for a talk at 12.30 and lunch at 1pm.
Dr Vivienne Dunstan has a Phd in Scottish history and is a descendant of Francis Somner, an early Dandie breeder. She is unable to attend in person but has recorded a fascinating talk for us on her great great great great grandfather’s life. Kenny Allan did give a talk on the early breeders of Kelso including Archie Steel and will also cover Sir Walter Scott’s time in Kelso.
See link for Dr Vivienne Dunstan talk Francis Somner (1803-1891) early Dandie Dinmont Terrier breeder – YouTube
Everyone has seen the painting Callum by John Emms in the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh. However John Emms also painted other Dandies. A lot of his models were Archie Steel dogs.
A guided walk of Kelso, we will show you where Sir Walter Scott, Francis Somner and Archie Steel lived and worked. This will be finished off by visting Rutherfords Micro pub which has a unique Dandie Dinmont connection.
If you have any queries please get in contact at dandiederby@hotmail.com
We would like to re-iterate that this is strictly a one off change of venue and we will be returning to The Haining the following year. We thank The Haining for their understanding. The following year the Dandie Derby will be held on Saturday 4th of June and which is Old Gingers his 180th Birthday.