Editorial – The Scottish Banner Says….

April 2025 (Vol. 48, Number 10)

The Banner Says…

Scottish dog breeds under threat

One of many recognisable symbols of Scotland include bagpipes, tartan, whisky and the beautiful Scottish Terriers (known also as a Scottie dog). You will find Scottie dogs on all kinds of Scottish tourist products from tins of shortbread, tea towels, magnets and even a piece on the iconic Monopoly board.

Dog lovers

Scotland is certainly a nation of dog lovers with nearly a quarter of the population having a four legged resident in their households. Having a dog, though not for everyone, offers so many benefits such as helping people with stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, blood pressure, encourages exercise, and general connection in the wider community. I am a lifelong dog lover  however currently do not have a dog, but make sure I connect with dogs at every opportunity I get.

The Kennel Club is a UK organisation which puts out a list ofdog breeds of British and Irish origin that are considered to be vulnerable due to their declining registration numbers. Some classic Scottish breed populations are struggling, not only in Scotland but across the UK and globally and being placed on ‘At Watch’ or ‘Vulnerable’ lists.

The Scottish Terrier, which is likely the dog most would connect with Scotland was added to The Kennel Club’s ‘At Watch’ list last year. This highly intelligent breed had less than 400 births in the UK last year which was lowest on record. Originally bred to hunt, the breed was also thought to be Queen Victoria’s favourite dog.

At risk

Another breed at risk is the Skye Terrier, which takes its name from the Isle of Skye and with less than 100 UK wide births puts it in the ‘Vulnerable’ list. The breed is known to be the oldest terrier breed in Scotland, going back to the 14th century. The Skye breed is thought to have started after a Spanish shipwreck off the coast of Skye and Rassay and the canine survivors bred with local terriers, producing a strain with a long, silky coat. The most famous Skye Terrier is without question Greyfriars Bobby. The faithful dog who stood by his owner’s grave in Edinburgh has been immortalised with one of the city’s most famous statues, as well as books, movies and merchandise.

Also, on the ‘Vulnerable” list are the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, a breed that even has its very own tartan and is the only dog breed named after a fictional character. Sir Walter Scott published in 1814, Guy Mannering, which featured a character called ‘Dandie Dinmont’ who was a farmer from the Borders, along with his pack of pepper and mustard terriers. These fictional characters were in fact based on historical fact and these dogs are now in danger as only a few hundred are born each year around the world and less than 100 in the UK.

With less than 200 births in the UK also on the ‘Vulnerable” list are Gordon Setters. Named after the Duke of Gordon, Gordon Setters were originally called black-and tan setters and are the largest of the setter breeds. The 4th Duke of Gordon played a major role in developing the modern breed of this large hunting dog. The Duke of Gordon began breeding these setters in the early 19th century. By the early 20th century, most Gordon Setters could be traced back to the kennels at Gordon Castle.

Some may not realise that certain dog breeds can go ‘out of fashion’ for various reasons, and I hope these iconic Scottish breeds can turn around their numbers for generations of people to enjoy these unique versions of ‘man’s best friend’ for many years to come.

In this issue

2025 marks 75 years of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland’s most iconic and internationally recognised events. In 1949 a performance entitled Something About a Soldier was performed at the beautiful Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens, followed by The King’s Men on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Sir Andrew Murray, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, was so impressed by these productions that he invited the General Officer Commanding the Army in Scotland to produce a military show called the Edinburgh Tattoo, to take place annually as part of the Edinburgh International Festival. Since 1950 millions of people have seen the Tattoo live and many millions more on their screens. I have been fortunate to attend the Tattoo three times (and only once in the rain!) and we are delighted to have Jason Barrett, Chief Executive, of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo tell us more about this year’s production.

One piper who is getting ready for a performance of a lifetime must be Lady Jane MacRae, a maths teacher from Aberdeen, who is playing the pipes at the VE Day 80th commemoration in front of the King in London in May. The former concert pianist not only will have a royal audience but will have the incredible honour of piping to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day and Nazi Germany’s surrender in the Second World War.

Though a bit more planning may be involved, a visit to Orkney is well worth the effort when visiting Scotland. Some may think Orkney is a single island, but it is in fact an archipelago of around 70 islands, of which just 20 are inhabited, and located just 20 miles/32 km off the north coast of the Scottish mainland. The area has so much natural attractions, an incredible neolithic history and rich Viking culture. This month we look at some of the less well-known historic sites in Orkney that may help you decide to take that trip and explore the place the ancient Romans used to call the Orcades.

Do you have you any comments from the content in this month’s edition? Share your story with us by email, post, social media or at: www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us

#ScottishBanner, #TheBanner #NewsForGlobalScots

The Scottish Banner is more reliant than ever on our readers helping us to provide you with our unique content by buying a copy of our publication, regardless if by print or digital subscription or at a retail outlet.

We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy this edition.