Lovable terrier crowned Holyrood's Dog of the Year

Adorable dogs compete for the prestigious title amidst discussions on dog welfare and the joys of pet ownership at this year's competition.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY Biewer Terrier, Heidi, with Marie McNair MSP is announced as winner of this year’s Holyrood Dog of the Year competition, organised jointly by Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, Edinburgh. Picture date: Monday April 29, 2024. PA Photo. The Runners up have been announced as Cockapoo Bramble and Alex Cole-Hamilton, and in second place Hungarian Vizla, Alfie with Sue Webber. The "pawblic" vote winners were Cockapoo Oscar with Shirley-Anne Somerville. The annual competition is open to all canines belonging to Members of The Scottish Parliament or Dogs Trust dogs paired with MSPs for the day and celebrates the special relationship between human and dog. 9 MSPs and their canine companions took part in the event this year, taking place at the Scottish Parliament Gardens. Picture credit should read: Euan Cherry/PA Media Assignments

Cinead McTernan

Published: April 30, 2024 at 12:42 pm

Here at Countryfile Headquarters, we love a dog show and among the team we have chalked-up one or two rosettes of our own (well, our furry friends have).

We're therefore delighted to introduce you to Heidi, a Biewer terrier, who has claimed the esteemed title of Holyrood Dog of the Year 2024, in partnership with MSP Marie McNair of the Scottish National Party for Clydebank and Milngavie.

Held at the Scottish Parliament Member’s Garden, the sixth annual Holyrood Dog of the Year competition, hosted by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, witnessed Heidi's triumph over eight other 'paw-litical' contenders.

The duo captivated judges with Heidi's endearing personality and their evident bond. Credit: PA Wire

MSP Marie McNair expressed her astonishment at their victory. “I’m absolutely shocked to win today, it’s really really great! Heidi is owned by one of my staffers, so I’m really pleased for her owner as well!”

This year's event spotlighted the unique companionship between humans and their canine friends, fostering discussions on dog welfare.

The judging panel included Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club; Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust Chief Executive; and David Torrance MSP, 2023 winner of Holyrood Dog of the Year, who commented, “it was a well-deserved win and the bond between the pair was clear to see today.”

Holyrood's dog of the year
Marie McNair and Judge Bill Lambert Credit Euan Cherry. Credit: PA wire

Owen Sharp added: “It’s always a pleasure to visit Edinburgh to witness the wonderful bonds MSPs have with their canine companions and the instant connections that are forged with MSPs who enter with one of our fantastic rescue dogs."

Holyroods Dog of the Year
This year's winners of Holyrood's Dog of the Year. Credit: PA wire

Second place was secured by Alfie, a Hungarian Vizsla owned by Sue Webber, while third place went to Bramble, a Cockapoo owned by Alex Cole-Hamilton.

Prior to the competition, MSPs rallied for votes through online campaigns, with the 'pawblic' vote going to Oscar, a Cockapoo owned by Shirley-Anne Somerville, SNP MSP for Dunfermline, who expressed delight at the recognition of their beloved pet.

Find out more

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