With more than 200 dogs vying for the title of VisitScotland’s “Ambassadog,” in the end it was a dog named George, a one-year-old Golden Retriever from Glasgow, taking home the title.
Sisters Victoria and Emma Rae, both 22, put George forward for the coveted role in March, after VisitScotland launched the search for a canine ambassador to represent the spirit of Scotland around the world.
George (and his owners) will now have the job of being an ambassador for Scotland on social media, attending red carpet events and generally being in demand as a VID (or “very important dog”).
The lucky pup joined his seven fellow selected finalists at a special interview event at Prestonfield in Edinburgh on May 8 where dog owners were assessed on their knowledge of Scotland, social media savvy and interview skills.
“It’s really unexpected and I still can’t quite believe George has been chosen; especially as there were so many lovely dogs in the final. I am very proud of him,” said owner Victoria. “We love going on adventures around Scotland and George has a very sociable and curious nature. He loves other people and animals. I feel with him I can explore and visit places I wouldn’t usually get to see – his determined spirit and boundless energy is what we need to get us to the top of mountain treks and he loves a splash about in the water at Loch Lomond.
“I feel George is a great ambassador for Scotland as he is always looking for to his next voyage. A golden retriever is also a Scottish breed, which a lot of people don’t know.”
VisitScotland will now work with George and his owners to create a program of activities, to include social media that will enable them to be global ambassadors. In return they will be given a three-night specially selected dog-friendly holiday in Scotland. George and his owners will also contribute to their own blog page on http://www.visitscotland.com/blog/scotland/ambassadog.