Legacy || A Celebration at Dunskey Estate

Some stories are best told not just in words, but in the moments we share, the laughter that echoes through grand halls, and the warmth that lingers long after the last candle has burned low. This is the story of Ali’s 60th birthday at Dunskey Estate—an event not just of celebration, but of legacy, love, and the unbreakable bonds of family and friendship.

A Personal Connection

Dunskey Estate is more than just a breathtaking location. It is the heart of something much deeper—a place where time slows, where memories are etched into the very walls, where every gathering feels like a homecoming. Ali and Anne, the incredible custodians of Dunskey, have long welcomed us with open arms, and this milestone birthday was no exception.

From the moment we arrived, there was a palpable sense of something special unfolding. This wasn’t just a birthday party; it was a reflection of Ali’s life, his journey, and the countless relationships he has nurtured. A weekend filled with joy, adventure, music, and reflection—a true testament to the legacy Ali continues to build.

A Weekend to Remember

The celebrations stretched across four incredible days, each moment thoughtfully crafted to honour Ali’s life and the people who have shaped it.

Thursday: A Grand Arrival The weekend began with warm welcomes and a plunge into adventure—literally. Cold swimming in the crisp Scottish waters set the tone for an unforgettable few days. As the evening settled, guests embraced a night of storytelling and theatrical creativity, with the theme “Dress as Your Worst Fear or Best Decision” bringing laughter and meaning in equal measure. Both Gregg and I, while didn’t communicate our costumes both wore the dress with a similar idea in mind… As Father! The night culminated in Expositions: LEGACIES, a time for sharing reflections on the past and the stories that make us who we are.

Friday: Ali’s birthday was celebrated in true Dunskey fashion—a morning of leisure and adventure, an afternoon of clay pigeon shooting, and an evening of pure elegance. The black-tie dinner saw friends and family raise their glasses in tribute, honouring a man whose influence extends far beyond these walls. The night rang with music, laughter, and deep conversations—moments that will live on long after the last note faded.

Saturday: Reflection and Revelry As the weekend continued, the focus shifted from celebration to reflection. A Scottish brunch set the scene for a tranquil day—a walk to the Killantringan Lighthouse, warming soups by the fire, and the long-awaited Dunskey Fire Feast. As the embers crackled under the starry sky, guests gathered, sharing warmth, stories, and a collective gratitude for the time spent together.

Sunday: Farewell, But Not Goodbye The weekend closed with one final breakfast, a quiet yet powerful ending to an event that was anything but fleeting. Goodbyes were exchanged, but there was no sadness—only the knowledge that this was a weekend that had woven itself into the hearts of all who attended.

The Legacy We Carry Forward

As filmmakers, we are privileged to capture these moments, to preserve these connections in a way that time cannot erase. Ali’s legacy is not one of wealth or material success, but of relationships—of the joy he brings to those around him, of the kindness and generosity he and Anne have shown us time and time again.

We came to Dunskey to document a celebration, but we left with something far greater—a renewed understanding of what it means to leave a mark, to build something that lasts beyond our own years.

Crafting the Story

The heart of our film lay in how we shaped its narrative. We carefully selected family and friends, each contributing their voice to the poem we wrote as the foundation of the piece. Each paragraph was given life by a different voice, weaving a tapestry of perspectives and emotions. Among these voices, we had the honour of featuring the talents of Neve Campbell, bringing a unique depth to the storytelling. Conceptually and visually, the film reflects on a life well lived, mixing poetic reflection with documentary shots spanning the three days of celebration. Through this approach, we sought to create something not just beautiful, but deeply meaningful—a true encapsulation of legacy.

Ali, Anne—thank you for welcoming us into your world, for trusting us to capture these fleeting yet profound moments, and for reminding us that legacy is not about what we leave behind, but about the love, joy, and connections we carry forward.

Here’s to the memories we made and the ones still to come.

Here’s to legacy.