Meet Peter MacQueen at the Scottish Game Fair: Champion of Scotland’s Native Dogs

The Scottish Game Fair is delighted to welcome Peter MacQueen to this year’s event, where he will be helping lead the Scottish Rare Breeds programme, building on the much-loved parade with a new tented space for talks, demonstrations and opportunities for visitors to learn more about Scotland’s native dogs.

Peter is an author, broadcaster and crofter widely recognised for championing Scotland’s indigenous dogs and the cultural heritage that surrounds them. A fluent Gaelic speaker, his work explores the deep relationship between Scotland’s landscape, language and the dogs that have worked alongside people for centuries. 

Championing Scotland’s Indigenous Dogs

He is the author of Tails of Scotland – The Story of Scottish Dogs, a beautifully researched and engaging account of Scotland’s native breeds and the stories, histories and people that shaped them. Through the book, Peter brings together history, folklore and modern rural life to highlight the enduring importance of these remarkable dogs.

Bringing Dogs to Life on Screen

Peter is also the presenter of the popular series Cù Leis Thu? on BBC Alba, which places Scottish dogs and their owners at the heart of living culture. The programme explores the working roles, personalities and heritage of Scotland’s dogs while celebrating the people who care for and work with them today. 

Peter lives on his croft near Oban with his partner, Coinneach MacLeod, and their three dogs — Flòraidh the West Highland Terrier, Peigi the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Sùla the Scottish Deerhound. Life on the croft informs much of Peter’s work, grounding his storytelling in practical rural experience as well as a deep appreciation for Scotland’s heritage. 

At this year’s Scottish Game Fair, Peter will be curating a dedicated canine space where visitors can engage with the stories, traditions and living culture surrounding Scotland’s rare breeds. Across the three days of the Fair, this feature will provide an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the dogs themselves, their historic roles in the countryside, and their relevance in the modern day. 

More details about the programme and activities will be announced soon.