Last Sunday saw the cream of the Scottish Open Show scene descending on the John Wilson Town Hall, Airdrie to compete for the titles of Scottish Open Show Pup of the Year and Scottish Open Show Dog of the Year.

The Convener of The Scottish Kennel Club, Robert Crawford, welcomed everyone and introduced the stewards, former Junior Handlers, Lorna Brown and Julie McCaig. As the judge, Mr Bert Easdon, was delayed in traffic it was decided to start the draws for the match. Bert, of the famous Yakee Pekingese, arrived to a round of applause and judging was underway in the Puppy Competition. Of the 16 puppies in the catalogue only two were absent and after four rounds of judging The Scottish Open Show Puppy of the Year was crowned – Jim and Debbie Linden’s Beagle Macall Highlander at Bruadair. Mack at 21 months of age has an impressive array of wins under his belt. At just seven months of age he won his first BPIS at Land O’ Burns on St Andrew’s Day! To date, he has won four BPiS, one RBPiS, one BiS and one RBiS. A typical beagle, he still loves to greet his owners with his own comfort blanket and is a well loved member of the family!

The Open Show Dog of the Year Competition ran to six rounds and in closely fought finish between the Newfoundland, Pollock’s Atlanticbear Faeroe JW ShCM and the Saluki, Vicky Ann Tompkin’s Ch Mabrooka Joshua, it was the saluki who went through to challenge Barbara Ganarin’s ESS, Sh Ch Berkenbar Carrera. The final nod went to Eddie the ESS. A three year old dog, he gained his three CCs at the end of last year and had a good 2003 with BiS at the Midland ESS Championship show as well as BiS at Lothian, Border Counties Gundog, Gundog Breeds Association of Scotland and St Andrews & Cupar Open Shows. Eddie’s aunt Sh Ch Berkenbar Duet was the SKC Top Dog in 2000.

Speaking at the end of the day, the judge was pleased by the high quality of the dogs throughout the day and delighted with his main winners. It was lovely to see the new office staff of SKC taking an interest in the events. Although new to the show scene, Office Manager, Moyra Orr and her staff, Karen Reid and Catherine Bennett, took a keen interest in proceedings. And Barbara, I hope Eddie gets his piece of fruit loaf eventually!

A well attended event, with all attendees leaving with a rosette and the main winners with a piece of crystal and a large sack of food.

Karen Gold nub.org.uk