Written By Olena Riznyk
AILSA CRAIG – Scottish Terriers from across Ontario gathered in Ailsa Craig on July 25 as the Highland Games hosted its first Scottie Dog Picnic.
Owners travelled from communities including Dunnville, Brantford and St. Catharines for a day of games, food and friendship while introducing visitors to one of Scotland’s best-known dog breeds.
Longtime Scottish Terrier breeder Murray Hicks helped organize the picnic, bringing many of the traditional Scottie games from Rockton. “We’ve been doing this for years,” Hicks said. “Usually, we hold the picnic in Rockton, but this year we decided to bring it to Ailsa Craig.”
Throughout the afternoon, Scotties and their owners took part in light-hearted competitions, including musical mats, an egg-and-spoon race and the always-popular hot dog eating contest. There were also prizes for the oldest and youngest Scotties, along with awards for the longest ears and the longest tail and several other fun categories that kept both participants and spectators laughing.
For organizer Marilyn Barbe, the picnic is about much more than the games. “Breeding dogs is serious work that takes years of dedication,” she said. “The picnic is a chance for breeders, owners and friends to get together, celebrate the breed and simply enjoy spending time together.”
Many visitors who came for the Highland Games stopped by to meet the dogs, ask questions and learn more about the breed. Known for their wiry coats, distinctive beards and bold personalities, Scottish Terriers quickly became one of the day’s most popular attractions.
One Scottie was especially hard to miss. A bright pink Scottie stopped many visitors in their tracks. The dog’s owner competes in creative grooming competitions, and the Scottie had been groomed bright pink with a tartan pattern across its back. Another Scottie featured a Celtic design, and both dogs became popular photo subjects throughout the afternoon. “It certainly caught everyone’s attention,” Barbe said.
Hicks believes the picnic was a natural fit for the Highland Games and hopes it will continue to grow alongside the festival. “This is the first one here,” he said. “Next year it’ll be a little better known.”
The shaded location gave owners plenty of space to relax while their dogs met new friends, and it also made it easy for festival visitors to stop by throughout the day.
Organizers hope the picnic will return to Ailsa Craig next year, giving even more Scottie owners an opportunity to gather, reconnect and introduce their beloved dogs to new audiences.
