Picture this. A city with a maritime heritage and a more recent Herring Gull legacy. A place famous for the Clifton Suspension Bridge inspired by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and a motor car loved by one of the Oasis Gallagher twins. It can only be Bristol, gateway to the south-west of England. This was Scottie Club UK’s first regional Walkabout.

A first attempt was made in 2017 on a lavender farm in the nearby Cotswolds in 2017 when the club was London-centric and rather smaller. This time it was different.

As Scottie Club UK has grown, we have designated regional Meeting Marshals so that club members and their Scotties can meet in an area that is local to them. On Sunday 12th October, Ashton Court played host to seven lovely Scotties and their owners. 

Scottie Club members from Devon to Lancashire joined the inaugural Somerset Scottie Walkabout. It was a joy to see such a variety of Scotties, all sizes and ages! Bear definitely won the award for fluffiest ears, whilst Amber and Pudding showed off their beautiful Wheaton coats as the bright golden colours progressed through the neeaby woods at this autumnal time of year.

The walk itself was a 2-kilometre route around the grounds of Ashton Court. It was a varied walk with plenty of open space for the Scotties to run around in, complete with a muddy pond for them to paddle in. Benjamin and Bonnie were unfortunately unsuccessful in their picnic and squirrel hunts (respectively). We also learned that most Scotties are a bit flummoxed about how to get through a kissing gate. 

14-year old Hannah made the circuit in a pram and we were also joined by a brisk Maggie from Hampshire.

The humans enjoyed the beautiful gardens and manor house – parts of which have been around since the 11th century, but it is most well-known for being owned by the Smyth family for 400 years. A few club members had walked in Ashton Court before, but it was an especially great experience for those that were visiting for the first time. 

A few walkers nipped to nearby pub The Ashton for a drink afterwards, a lovely spot and it was a shame they couldn’t squeeze us in for a roast! George and Pudding had to leave us for an hour-drive up the road to Gloucestershire to visit a lady who is about to turn 88 years. Her son got in touch with Scottie Club UK last week and asked if some Scotties could come to see his Scottie-loving mum. As timing was good, this was possible on Sunday. You can view the interview Patricia gave to George below!

It’s safe to say that the first regional Scottie Club UK Walkabout was a resounding success; Scotties and owners alike had a wonderful time.

I would encourage any Scottie Club UK member thinking of becoming a regional Meeting Marshal to get in touch with the club to make it easier for Scotties to meet outside of the capital.

Here’s the video interview and the gallery from Bristol:

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  After event: Pudding meets Patricia. See video interview (with Patricia)