Join Us for a Momentous Weekend: The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club’s 150th Anniversary including Dandie Derby

The first weekend in June is always a highlight for Dandie Dinmont Terrier enthusiasts — but this year promises to be truly unforgettable. In 2025, the much-loved Dandie Derby proudly joins forces with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club to celebrate its 150th Anniversary — a remarkable milestone for one of Britain’s most vulnerable native breeds.

Friday 6th June – A Grand Start at Bowhill

Our celebration begins on Friday afternoon at Bowhill House, the historic Selkirk seat of the Duke of Buccleuch. We are honoured that Lady Louisa, daughter of the Duke and patron of the DDTC, supports this special occasion. Guests are invited to walk the scenic Old Pepper Trail, followed by refreshments in the Courtyard Room. We are also delighted that the Duke has graciously allowed a display of Dandie-themed artwork and memorabilia to be presented on site.

The festivities continue in Selkirk with the official launch of a specially commissioned Dandie Gin, crafted by Selkirk Distillers — a perfect toast to the breed. Delicious local fare will be available at Tibbie’s and The Fleece to round off the evening.

Update

6.30 pm meet at Tibbies in Selkirk for Dandie Gin launch ..and has seating for up to 30 for food …sharing platters charcuterie,Tapas etc also The Fleece has a lovely menu for Dinner …you will all have worked up an appetite for some lovely food .. The Fleece is dog friendly,,

Pre ordering is required ..choices at the Fleece ..starters—soup £5.50 .Fleece Pate £6.00,Prawn cocktail £6.50 , Mains .. Roast beef with York puds £ 16.95 , Chicken Balmoral £ 16.95 , and Veg Lasagne £14 ..Puds –homemade cheesecake £6.50 , Choc and orange dessert £ 6.50 , and cheese and biscuits .teas and coffee £ 2.50 ….with all the pre ordering where required Eve Thomas is the Co-ordinator ..Eve@thomasy.uk choices with all will be required by last week in May

Saturday 7th June – History, Heritage, and the Derby

Saturday kicks off with a gathering at Old Ginger’s historic kennel at The Haining, where you can admire the stunning sculpture by Sandy Stoddart, His Majesty’s Sculptor in Scotland. Nearby, you’ll find the Dandie Database, housing the pedigrees of Dandies worldwide.

From there, we take a short walk to the Volunteer Hall, where the first-ever Dandie Dinmont Terrier show was held on 17th November 1875. A talk by world-renowned Dandie expert Mike MacBeth will bring this fascinating history to life.

A traditional piper will then lead a procession to The Fleece, where the very first DDTC committee meeting was held. Here, a commemorative plaque marking the 150th anniversary will be unveiled. After lunch and a visit to the Dandie stall at the Selkirk Farmers Market, we return to The Haining for the unveiling of the fifth Dandie Trail plaque by Michelle Ballantyne, trustee of The Haining Trust.

And then — it’s time for the Dandie Derby! Dandies of all ages will compete in four categories, racing in heats down dedicated lanes. Finalists will go head-to-head for the ultimate title, with the champion receiving a trophy generously donated by the DDTC. The evening concludes with a celebratory dinner in The Haining’s beautiful new annex — complete with surprises and special guests.

Update

Saturday Evening Dinner will be at The Haining in the brand new annex that replaces the Marquee ..this would start at 6.30 for 7 and again pre ordering is required ..the cost will be £25 for two course and 27.50 for three ..menu ..starters King prawns marie rose ,melon or scotch broth mains carved roast beef with Yorkshires,chicken with haggis , Salmon plus the vegetarian option Desserts .chocolate and orange torte , lemon tart or selection of cheeses and teas and coffees …there will be some surprise activities during the Dinner

Sunday 8th June – A Day at Abbotsford

On Sunday, we gather at Abbotsford, the magnificent home of Sir Walter Scott, for a relaxed and joyful fun dog show, hosted by the DDTC. With light-hearted classes and a crowd-favourite Dandieathlon, it’s the perfect way to continue the celebration. Ochiltree’s dog-friendly restaurant will offer lunch, and guests are encouraged to explore the picturesque grounds of this historic estate.

1 pm lunch At Ochiltrees Café in roped off area for our group ..Taste of Scotland platter ,caramel shortbread ,tea or coffee £ 17.60 or Soup and Roll lunch consisting off soup of the day ,2 filled mini rolls ,cake of the day and tea or coffee £ 14.50 .All dietaries can be catered for if notified in advance .Payable in advance to Eve Thomas .Rhymer’s Rest catering trailer will be on the meadow too . In the afternoon there is an optional walk around the estate .there also additional competitions like guess the number of dog biscuits etc ..it is going to be fun

Contact for information ..Mandy Weaving /Clarkson 07778911891 or Amanda Clarkson on messenger or e-mail Macclarkson@aol.com and I can help to with any enquiries regarding the weekend ..the main bookings that we need to have are Friday evening ,Saturday lunch and Dinner ..so the caterers can order food etc

Monday 9th June – Final Reflections at Dryburgh

Our celebratory weekend concludes at the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, where DDTC Chairman Eardley will unveil the sixth Dandie Trail plaque. This will be followed by a scenic walk and a final shared lunch — a fitting end to a weekend that honours the legacy, love, and enduring spirit of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

Join Us for Lunch at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel!

(Pre-order & pre-payment required)

Soup & Sandwiches – £18.95 per person

Soup Choices: Leek & Potato or Tomato

Sandwich Options:

Ham, Tomato & Mustard

Egg Mayonnaise

Mature Cheddar & Sweet Pickle

Roast Topside Beef & Horseradish Cream

Tuna Mayonnaise

Served with Tea or Coffee

2-Course Set Menu – £29 per person