History of the Irish Red and White Setter Club of Scotland
The idea of a breed club here in Scotland was first advocated in 1989 by Irish Red and White Setter enthusiasts who organised several meetings to discuss how we could promote the breed here in Scotland.
As the dogs and owners were very small numerically, we asked for support from all the other Scottish Gundog Clubs, both showing and working, along with the endorsement of the Scottish Kennel Club, which resulted in The Kennel Club officially recognising us as the breed club for Scotland in April 1991.
The established Irish Red and White Setter Club of Scotland’s remit is “to promote all aspects of the breed, whether it be in the show ring, field trials, working companion or just a pet, to educate new owners coming into the breed, and look after the welfare of all Irish Red and White Setters within our geographical spread”.
The Club’s Committee is well aware they are the custodians of this beautiful breed, and take their responsibility seriously, the first of which is not to over breed just to increase the number of dogs in Scotland. It is our intention to stay small and grow slowly. With this aim in mind we have never needed a rescue service in Scotland, and long may that continue.
To promote the breed we have organised matches, fun days, gundog training weekends on a Scottish Grouse moor, seminars on all subjects pertaining to canine interests, sponsored classes and an open show until we reached Championship status in October 1999. Now, once a year, we hold sponsored classes at Tay Valley Gundog Show in May and our Club Championship Show in October.
When the founder members of this club compiled its constitution they drew on past experiences of other clubs within Scotland by including two rules which safeguard the autonomy of our club, and that is “no postal votes” and “you must RESIDE in Scotland to serve on the committee or be an Office Bearer”. You do not, however, need to be Scots to stand for office. These two rules ensure that control of our Club stays within Scotland, otherwise it defeats the purpose of having a Scottish Club.
Our club membership covers several countries at the moment, and we welcome new members from around the world. As a member you will be kept informed of club activities through our web site or by a “bulletin” issued periodically.
For further information on the breed, or to join our club, please contact the secretary, Mrs Phyllis Ralston, by email or telephone 01464 841317