Events
2013 Guisachan Gathering
By Doreen McGugan, Chairman, Golden Retriever Club of Scotland
Golden events at Guisachan date back more than a decade. In 2001 the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland organised a very informal visit to the Guisachan estate. Around 50 people turned up with approximately 40 dogs. We met at the house and enjoyed a picnic before taking part in some games (throw the wellie and scurries for the dogs) In the evening many of us met at the Tomich Hotel for a dinner to talk over the days events.
A few years later in 2006, before the 60th Anniversary of the forming of the GRCS, we thought that it might be a nice idea to return to Guisachan. As the idea developed we decided to run a much larger event with a formal dinner followed the next day by an Open Show. The Gathering was run on similar lines as the 2013 Gathering and was enjoyed by everyone who attended. Dogs were counted and 188 Goldens were pictured at the house in the now famous picture taken by Lynn Kipps. The next day in the grounds of the Tomich Hotel we held our Open Show which was judged by Mervyn Philpott from the famous “Westley” kennel.
In 2013 we again organised a Guisachan Gathering to follow on from the Centenary celebrations of the Golden Retriever Club of England. Many of the overseas visitors made the long journey from Cirencester to Guisachan through some of the most beautiful countryside in Scotland. The weather was glorious.
The Gathering was wonderful and never in our imagination did we think that so many people would attend. 222 Dogs were counted exceeding the previous count of 188. The previous evening we held a torchlight procession to the house. The house was brought to life by amazing lighting in beautiful colours and four of our committee dressed in Victorian costumes.
Before we returned a very welcome dram of whisky and shortbread was enjoyed by all.
We held two Social events A formal dinner with a true Scottish flavour with Scottish dancers and a Piper to start the celebration. Dancing went on to the “wee sma”hours”
A social evening was held with a question and answer theme and a chance to catch up with friends.
The final day we held our Championship Show with Sandra Patterson from Australia judging the bitches. Unfortunately Ruth Scholz from Germany was to have judged the Dogs but due to illness was unable to attend. Her place was taken by yours truly, GRCS Chairman Doreen McGugan.
A really successful event with many new friendships made. Are we holding another Guisachan Gathering? We will see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A few years later in 2006, before the 60th Anniversary of the forming of the GRCS, we thought that it might be a nice idea to return to Guisachan. As the idea developed we decided to run a much larger event with a formal dinner followed the next day by an Open Show. The Gathering was run on similar lines as the 2013 Gathering and was enjoyed by everyone who attended. Dogs were counted and 188 Goldens were pictured at the house in the now famous picture taken by Lynn Kipps. The next day in the grounds of the Tomich Hotel we held our Open Show which was judged by Mervyn Philpott from the famous “Westley” kennel. In 2013 we again organised a Guisachan Gathering to follow on from the Centenary celebrations of the Golden Retriever Club of England. Many of the overseas visitors made the long journey from Cirencester to Guisachan through some of the most beautiful countryside in Scotland. The weather was glorious. The Gathering was wonderful and never in our imagination did we think that so many people would attend. 222 Dogs were counted exceeding the previous count of 188. The previous evening we held a torchlight procession to the house. The house was brought to life by amazing lighting in beautiful colours and four of our committee dressed in Victorian costumes. Before we returned a very welcome dram of whisky and shortbread was enjoyed by all. We held two Social events A formal dinner with a true Scottish flavour with Scottish dancers and a Piper to start the celebration. Dancing went on to the “wee sma”hours” A social evening was held with a question and answer theme and a chance to catch up with friends. The final day we held our Championship Show with Sandra Patterson from Australia judging the bitches. Unfortunately Ruth Scholz from Germany was to have judged the Dogs but due to illness was unable to attend. Her place was taken by yours truly, GRCS Chairman Doreen McGugan. A really successful event with many new friendships made. Are we holding another Guisachan Gathering? We will see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
