MSP’s Dog Bert, Wins ‘Paw-Blic’ Vote At First-Ever Holyrood Dog Of The Year Contest

There was a worthy winner at Holyrood today as Bert, a four year old Greyhound, was crowned winner of the ‘paw-blic’ vote category in the first Holyrood Dog of the Year competition.

Bert, who entered the event with Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, impressed the public with his charming nature and devotion to his owner and constituents, who voted in their droves to see him scoop the title.

The competition, organised by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, took place today (Monday 8th May), in the Scottish Parliament Gardens, Holyrood, where the winner of the ‘paw-blic’ vote was crowned alongside the overall competition winner.

The MSPs entering the competition campaigned hard, canvassing for votes from the public. Following a well-fought social media battle, Bert emerged victorious, showing he really is the people’s pooch after receiving a staggering number of votes via the Kennel Club’s website, beating 15 paw-litical opponents.

The public were asked to vote for the political pooch they deemed to be the most deserving based on their top dog credentials through their canine CVs which includes a series of questions put to MSPs and their dogs.

Bert’s owner, Mark Ruskell, said of his beloved dog: “I am delighted that an ex-racing greyhound has won the public vote, they make fantastic pets but sadly many are destroyed every year because they can’t find a loving home. Bert is such a wonderful dog and he has had a fantastic day competing alongside other dogs. It’s also been a great chance to catch up with the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust to discuss important dog welfare issues.”

The overall victor in the first-ever Holyrood Dog of the Year competition was Maya a Border Collie  owned by Emma Harper, MSP for South Scotland. Leading the opposition in second place was Dogs Trust dog, Astra, a Bulldog competing alongside Bill Bowman, MSP for North East Scotland, with a place in the (trophy) cabinet awarded to Cinder, a Terrier cross owned by Richard Lochhead, MSP for Moray in third.