In a remarkable tale of passion and perseverance, Wattie McDonald, affectionately known as the ‘Tartan Musher,’ has captured the hearts of many after completing the challenging Iditarod sled dog race wearing a kilt.
Having raced through Alaska’s harsh wilderness with a team of 16 huskies, Wattie’s incredible journey has solidified his place in the world of mushing and animal care.
Upon returning to Aberdeenshire, Wattie established the Husky Haven mushing center, located just outside Stonehaven. Here, he shares his love for sled dogs by offering adventures and year-round kennel tours for visitors eager to experience the thrill of mushing.
The inspiration for Husky Haven traces back to 1999 when Wattie met a Siberian Husky named Keeska, a pivotal moment that would transform his life.
Initially, Wattie wasn’t keen on dogs. However, Keeska changed everything.
His journey into mushing began unexpectedly, as Wattie accompanied his wife, Wendy, to dog shows, where he felt out of place.
Yet the real excitement ignited when he connected with the husky community, who introduced him to mushing—an exhilarating sport that involves sled dogs pulling sleds over snow or using specialized rigs on trails.
“I got hooked,” Wattie recalls. “It’s exciting, the atmosphere when you’re harnessing up the dogs, it’s electric.”
What began as a single husky quickly developed into a 36-dog kennel, a dedicated breeding program, and a lifelong passion.
In honor of Keeska, the dog who started it all, Wattie’s growing team of huskies all bear names beginning with the letter ‘K.’
Wattie’s love for mushing escalated significantly in 2008 during a trip to Alaska with Wendy to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
By chance, they arrived amid the Iditarod sled dog race, witnessing the breathtaking event that would ignite Wattie’s ambition to participate.
However, entering the Iditarod is no small endeavor; it requires a substantial investment.
The estimated cost of $50,000 for entry fees, equipment, and training loomed large, compelling Wattie to seek local fundraising and sponsorship.
He diligently trained in Alaska under the tutelage of 1984 Iditarod champion Dean Osmar, leasing a team of dogs and immersing himself in their world to build trust.
“You’re a vending machine to them,” he explains. “They hear your voice and think, ‘something good’s coming—probably food.’ That’s how the bond forms.”
In 2010, clad in his iconic kilt and accompanied by bagpipers, Wattie began his Iditarod journey representing Scotland.
Over the course of 12 grueling days and nights, he braved temperatures plummeting as low as -54°C.
Despite the odds, he crossed the finish line with all 16 of his huskies running strong.
Wattie chuckles, recalling, “No one expected me to finish, especially not starting out in a kilt. But I did, and every single dog made it with me. That was the real victory.”
His second attempt at the Iditarod came the following year, but in 2012, tragedy struck when Wendy was diagnosed with cancer, leading to her passing in late 2013.
Left devastated, Wattie felt compelled to honor their shared dream of creating a sanctuary for their huskies.
In 2014, with support from Richard Holman-Baird of Rickarton Estate, Wattie acquired land near a newly constructed wind farm trail in the scenic hills above Stonehaven.
“It was Wendy’s dream, and she wasn’t there to see it,” he says solemnly. “But I had to make it happen.”
Husky Haven opened its doors in early 2016, symbolizing not only a thriving mushing center in Scotland but also a refuge for the huskies they loved.
The center became a beacon for visitors eager to learn about and experience the joys of mushing, offering sled dog runs, kennel tours, and insights into the life with a pack of working huskies.
Wattie describes Husky Haven as a lifeline that has also brought him healing after a series of personal challenges, including a near-fatal cardiac arrest aboard a Mediterranean ship in 2016.
Revived after being clinically dead for 20 minutes and undergoing a triple bypass, he credits the NHS for their incredible care.
Today, Wattie is happily remarried to Jackie, who shares his enthusiasm for huskies.
With the unwavering support of dedicated volunteers—many who have been with him since the inception of Husky Haven—he has nurtured a sanctuary for these beloved dogs while welcoming visitors from around the globe.
Every penny earned from husky rides, kennel tours, and merchandise is reinvested into caring for the animals.
Wattie humorously notes, “Unless I can find a market for husky crap, I’ll never be a millionaire.”
Social media has proven invaluable in promoting Husky Haven, boasting over 12,000 followers on Facebook.
In addition to his work at the center, Wattie frequently shares his Iditarod adventures through presentations, and he dreams of returning to Alaska one day.
Reflecting on his experiences in the bitter cold, he says, “54 below is the coldest temperature I’ve experienced on the trail in Alaska. I was out in the middle of nowhere; it was a magic experience.”
He vividly describes the challenges of extreme cold, where skin must be carefully protected from the freezing environment.
“If you take your gloves off to do your dog chores, within minutes your hands are sore with the cold. Your eyelids start freezing together, you’ve got icicles hanging from your nose and your face.”
This May, Wattie will face another medical challenge, undergoing knee surgery due to the wear and tear from his adventures across the Alaskan tundra.
Despite physical setbacks, his spirit remains unbroken.
In 2022, he took a heartwarming trip back to Alaska with his grandson, Finlay, who, at just 14, has already shown an eagerness to immerse himself in the mushing world.
Wattie is hopeful that one day he will pass on his legacy to Finlay, who shares his deep-rooted passion for huskies and the sport of mushing.
“Every time I’m out on the trail, lump in my throat,” he says emotionally. “I look at the dogs, and they’re just… focused. I brought them into this world for this. And they love it.”
Should the financial opportunity arise for another Iditarod race, Wattie’s enthusiasm is palpable: “If the sky opened up with £50,000 right now, I’d be there tomorrow. Sore knees or not.”
Husky Haven remains a year-round facility for these remarkable dogs, but Wattie emphasizes that the center thrives on the generosity of its volunteers and community support.
With ongoing expenses such as food, veterinary care, and utilities, community contributions are vital for the operation’s success.
Supporters are rewarded with access to exclusive events, including kennel tours, backyard barbecues, and discounted mushing experiences, reinforcing the sense of community that surrounds Husky Haven.
image source from：https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/local/6737282/stonehaven-man-brings-taste-of-alaska-to-husky-haven/
