When England Meets Scotland

North East-based OMJ judge Ian Wright paid a visit to Edinburgh and dropped in on DONALD SKINNER-REID’s birdroom. At once they found common ground: in enjoyment of birdkeeping, old variety canaries and helping new starters.

CANARIES

MY FAMILY laugh at me for not being a keen traveller. My husband has travelled the globe; my brother is a retired master mariner who captained cruise liners and my sister packs a bag at a moment’s notice. But me? I prefer to be at home with my birds. My retort to my family is that by living in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, I don’t need to travel because the world comes to me.

That view was proved when OMJ judge, Ian Wright, part of the well-known double act of Rob & Ian Wright, visited my birdroom last month. The father-and son duo are renowned for their excellent Glosters, and Ian has struck out on his own with his fabulous crested canaries, which took three gold and one silver medal at the 2017 Gouden Ring show.

I was delighted when Ian asked if he might visit while he and his wife were in Edinburgh. Like most of us, I hope, who know visitors are coming, I spent some time tidying and cleaning the birdroom ahead of Ian’s trip.