DUNFERMLINE cockapoo Oscar lapped up success this week after named among the honours at the Holyrood Dog of the Year competition.

The cute pooch is the pet of Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville who was delighted to see him win the public vote in the contest organised by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust.

Prior to the event, MSPs entering the competition campaigned hard, canvassing for online public votes before meeting the expert judges to share their dog’s heroic deeds and acts of devotion.

After seeing Oscar securing the ‘pawblic’ vote, Shirley-Anne said: “Oscar has been such a brilliant addition to the family since we got him just after lockdown, so to have him recognised by the public is just fantastic!

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"We are really chuffed that Oscar won the public vote at Holyrood Dog of the Year. 

"He is not only a cherished member of our family, but also a beloved companion. 

"My family and I are grateful to everyone who voted for him and showed their support.

"Many thanks also to the Dog's Trust and the Kennel Club for organising another hugely successful event."

The annual competition aims to celebrate the unique bond between humans and their canine companions and the positive impact that dog ownership can bring into people's lives.

The event encourages an 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.

The judging panel – 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 – spent the morning with dogs from different political persuasions and ambitions before announcing the winners.

The overall winner who took away the Holyrood Dog of the year title was Biewer Terrier Heidi who was entered into the competition by Clydebank and Milngavie MSP Marie McNair.