MSPs and their dogs compete for prestigious Holyrood Dog of the Year title

On Monday 29th April, 13 MSPs will go paw-to-paw to win the coveted title of 'Holyrood Dog of the Year' 2024.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes, regardless of breed, creed or 'pawlitical' persuasion, will be strutting their stuff with their MSP owners, as they head to the Scottish Parliament gardens at Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, to see who will be crowned top dog.

Organised jointly by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, the competition celebrates the unique bond between dogs and their owners and offers the opportunity for MSPs to show off their loyal canine companions.

The 2024 contenders vying for a vote are as follows:

• Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Liberal Democrats MSP for Edinburgh Western, and his Cockapoo, Bramble

• Clare Adamson, Scottish National Party MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, and her Labrador Retriever, Sam

• Christine Grahame, Scottish National Party MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, and her canine friend, a rescue Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bagel

• Emma Harper, Scottish National Party MSP for South Scotland, and a Dogs Trust rescue dog

• Finlay Carson, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, and Corrie his Labrador Retriever

• Jackie Dunbar, Scottish National Party MSP for Aberdeen Donside, and her Cocker Spaniel, Fergus

• Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for Highlands and Islands, and a Dogs Trust rescue dog

• Jenni Minto, Scottish National Party MSP for Argyll and Bute, and her Border Collie, Jim

• Marie McNair, Scottish National Party MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, and her Biewer Terrier, Heidi

• Meghan Gallacher, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for Central Scotland, and a Dogs Trust rescue dog

• Paul Sweeney, Scottish Labour MSP for Glasgow, and his Cavapoo, Bru

• Shirley-Anne Somerville, Scottish National Party MSP for Dunfermline and her Cockapoo, Oscar

• Sue Webber, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for Lothian, and her Hungarian Vizsla, Alfie

This year's competition is all about celebrating the unique bond between humans and their canine companions and the positive impact that dog ownership can bring into our lives. The event also encourages open dialogue on dog welfare issues, as well as providing an opportunity for MSPs to meet with experts to discuss all aspects of the canine world.

MSPs are also calling for their supporters to vote for them online, in a bid to win the 'pawblic' vote, with additional judging on the day which will review the contestants on their good dog deeds and winning personalities, and one lucky dog will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the 'Holyrood Dog of the Year 2024' title.

To find out more about the competing MSPs and their dogs, and to vote for Holyrood Dog of the Year, visit thekennelclub.org.uk/hdoty