With the Highland Gathering soon approaching, this year’s festival in October has plenty to offer to locals in the City of Armadale and surrounds.
A fan favourite for any families with children and any dog lovers is of course the Scottish Dogs.
After seven years of being an attendee with her own Scottish dog, Ellen Morrow has taken on this year as the provider of the canine demonstration.
She said it was important to include the dogs in the Highland Gathering as they represent a huge part of Scottish culture.
“Representing Scottish breeds as part of the whole Scottish culture was a good idea and it would attract the public because they love to engage with animals,” Mrs Morrow said.
“Scottish dog breeds have been so integral to the culture and the working lifestyle of the Scottish people.
“Dogs are a pretty important aspect of particularly past Scottish lifestyle and even now.”
Mrs Morrow said Scottish dogs were bred to mimic the lifestyle of the Scottish people and fit easily into their homes.
“They’re very independent and they’re very stubborn, like any Scotsman,” she said.
“They’re very resilient, very robust and sturdy dogs.
“Then you’ve got the breeds like the retrievers who have been incredibly successful worldwide. They have other very unique traits like a very soft mouth.
“A lot of the Scottish dogs work really well with humans. The Scottish seem to have bred such a wide range but such successful dogs for working with humans or people.”
Mrs Morrow was inspired to become more involved with the Highland Gathering in a professional capacity after researching the various breeds of dogs and having her own West Highland Terrier, Maisie.
In the Highland Gathering, the dogs show off their talents with plenty of time for public questions and a chance to meet and pat the dogs.
“We have what we call a meet and greet Scottish dogs where we have agility and sniffing and showing off what these dogs are capable of and their high level of intelligence,” Mrs Morrow said.
“We also invite members of the public who own these dogs and well socialised so that people can come and engage with the dogs and ask questions and take photos with them.
“We also do a competition where people dress their dogs up in costumes, particularly Scottish costumes and they get involved in the mayor’s parade.
“The kids love them, and I have a beautiful photo of Maisie just lounging on a couple of kids’ laps while they pat her.
“Oddly, I have noticed a lot of Scottish dogs, particularly my dog, loves the sound of bagpipes. She kind of perks up at the sound of them and she really likes it. She’s not perturbed at all by the sound of them.”
Mrs Morrow said she took on the role with the Scottish Dog group because she wanted to share information about each breed’s characteristics.
“I’m a big supporter of people really understanding that if you’re going to purchase a breed specific dog, you really need to understand their personality, their characteristics, and select the right dog for your lifestyle,” she said.
“I think we need to be more aware of the ethics involved in breeding and owning dogs.
“Our shelters are full of breeds people think are great but really don’t suit their lifestyle.
“We’re about education as well.”
You can bring your dogs dressed up and on leashes to the Highland Gathering on October 5 at the Memorial Park.
