A grand assembly of golden retrievers and their devoted owners has taken place at the storied Guisachan House in the picturesque Scottish Highlands. This historic location holds great significance as the birthplace of the first golden retriever puppies, born 155 years ago. Bred by aristocrat Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, also known as Lord Tweedmouth, these dogs were specifically tailored to be exceptional gun dogs suitable for the challenging terrain of the Scottish Highlands.
Dedicated owners from various corners of the globe, including the United Kingdom, continental Europe, North America, Australia, and Japan, have converged at the ruins of Guisachan House. Throughout the week, a multitude of events, including enlightening talks, captivating workshops, mesmerizing demonstrations, and a memorable night-time procession, have unfolded at the site near Tomich, located south of Inverness, and the nearby village of Cannich.
Thursday marked an extraordinary occasion, as it witnessed the gathering of one of the world’s largest congregations of golden retrievers in a single location, with hundreds of these beloved dogs and their owners assembling beneath the historic walls of the mansion house’s ruins.
Carol Henry, secretary of the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland, emphasized the importance of preserving the breed’s knowledge and heritage. Established breeders are keenly aware of the need to protect the dogs’ distinctive qualities and temperament. However, Mrs. Henry voiced concerns about the adverse effects of irresponsible breeding practices during the Covid pandemic lockdowns, which have jeopardized these cherished traits. The gathering serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the golden retriever, epitomizing its unwavering confidence, biddability, companionship, and loyalty.
Participants from over 12 countries, including Canada, the United States, New Zealand, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, the Czech Republic, Italy, Croatia, and Estonia, have come together at Guisachan. On Tuesday, a captivating procession unfolded, commencing at 22:00 and involving a mile-long walk to the ruins of the house. As the dogs and their owners arrived, they were greeted by the enchanting sounds of bagpipes, adding a touch of Scottish tradition to the momentous occasion.
Despite the forecast for thunderstorms, nature had a different plan, and instead, Highland midges made their presence felt, buzzing around the gathering. However, the night concluded with a joyous rendition of The Proclaimers’ anthem “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” and other harmonious bagpipe melodies, filling the air with celebratory spirit.
For many years, these gatherings have taken place every five years, often coinciding with significant anniversaries. The first litter of golden retrievers was born in 1868, a result of crossbreeding between a Tweed water spaniel, an extinct breed, and a yellow wavy-coated retriever. The litter, consisting of Primrose, Cowslip, and Crocus (some accounts mention a fourth pup), marked the beginning of the golden retriever’s illustrious lineage. In 1913, after more than four decades, The Kennel Club officially recognized the breed, solidifying its place as a beloved member of the dog world.
While Guisachan House fell into ruin during the 1960s, its historic significance and legacy endure through these remarkable gatherings, which bring together golden retrievers from across the globe, honoring their rich heritage and remarkable contributions to the world of canines.