Golden Retriever from Glasgow grabs Ambassadog glory!

George, a one-year-old golden retriever from Glasgow has been chosen as Scotland's new Ambassadog!

Article Source: Visit Scotland
Last Updated: 9 May 2016 19:48

He clearly couldn’t put a paw wrong … over 200 dogs applied, but there could only be one chosen to be VisitScotland’s Ambassadog. And that dog is George, a one-year-old Golden Retriever from Glasgow.

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 Sunday, 8 May where dog owners were assessed on their knowledge of Scotland, social media savvy and interview skills.

Owner Victoria said: “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.

“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. My ambition for him in his new role as ambassadog is that he takes us on a lot more journeys - we plan to go to Harris and Lewis at the end of this month - and we can inspire others to plan their next exploration around the country”.

Helen Campbell, Head of Global Brand & Marketing Communications at VisitScotland, was on the judging panel at the final alongside TV personality Kaye Adams and representatives from Denholm Associates (who helped launch the search for the Ambassadog) and the charity Dogs’ Trust to select the Ambassadog.

Helen said: “I was delighted to see the warmth and passion that shone through the owners and dogs who came along to meet us at Prestonfield; it was honestly a very tough job to select one. However, with George there was certainly something very special indeed with his exuberance and big personality, definitely a lovable nature and a very special bond with his owners.”

VisitScotland will now work with George and his owners to create a programme of activity, 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 in 2016. George and his owners will also contribute to their own blog page on www.visitscotland.com/blog/scotland/ambassadog/