Press release -
A pedigree trip
HE has been busy in his new role as the official canine ambassador representing the Spirit of Scotland, ever since he was chosen for the coveted role of VisitScotland’s Ambassadog back in May.
But George the Golden Retriever, alongside his owners, sisters Victoria and Emma Rae, from Glasgow, enjoyed a well-earned “paws” in their busy schedules to embark on a weekend break to Dumfries & Galloway.
The trio enjoyed the three-day trip to the region following George’s success in being selected from more than 200 other entrants to receive the coveted title.
The group enjoyed the splendour of the scenery in Dumfries & Galloway, from the lush green forests to the sandy shores, as well as some of the dog-friendly attractions.
They started off their trip by enjoying a walk around the grounds of the 13th century Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey, south of Dumfries. Their trip included a visit to the Mossyard Farm Pottery in Gatehouse of Fleet where George’s paws were printed in clay as a special souvenir. The group went onto Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre where they were given a special tour of the new dog-friendly accommodation at the centre which offers adventure and recreational experiences on the hills above the Solway coast.
Whilst owners Emma and Victoria enjoyed one of the famous ice-creams from Finlay’s Cream o’Galloway farm, George had to make do with a refreshing drink of water before enjoying many of the dog-friendly walks around the region, including at Castle Kennedy Gardens. The visit culminated in a boat trip across Loch Ken at the Galloway Activity Centre.
Overnight accommodation was provided by The Selkirk Arms Hotel in Kirkcudbright (as well as some delicious food on arrival). The group was also welcomed by the Trigony House Hotel in Closeburn for an evening meal.
Owner Emma said: “George has had an amazing time on his trip to Dumfries & Galloway. We have enjoyed some fantastic walks in the region; there is so much for dogs and their owners to do. We have thoroughly enjoyed everything from the food to the activities and have been delighted by how dog-friendly everyone has been. We know that George can’t wait to bark about his adventures to all of his friends and we hope that we will be able to inspire others to plan their canine capers to the region.”
Doug Wilson, Regional Director for VisitScotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome George the Ambassadog to Dumfries & Galloway for his dog-friendly holiday. We hope that George’s visit to the region will shine the spotlight on the wide range of dog-friendly attractions and places to visit, as well as inspire others to come to the area with or without their four-legged friends. The trip has shown that Dumfries & Galloway is one of the best locations for getting outdoors with man’s best friend and enjoying the fantastic walks and scenery.”
To follow George’s adventures, visit www.visitscotland.com/blog/scotland/ambassadog/
Georg’s fans can also keep up-to-date with his travels on social media at https://www.instagram.com/golden_george_/
To search for pet-friendly accommodation in Scotland, visit www.visitscotland.com
Topics
- Tourism
Categories
- corporate communications
- dumfries & galloway
- ambassadog
Regions
- Scotland
Notes to Editors
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- The organisation employs 700 people and has offices and VisitScotland Information Centres across Scotland.
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2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design - 2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity.
- The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design started on 1 January 2016 and will end on 31 December 2016.It will build on the momentum generated by the 2015 Year of Food and Drink as well as previous years including Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.
- Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland’s position as an “innovation nation”, its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed creative industries sector.
- The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, and supported by a variety of partners including Creative Scotland, Architecture + Design Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).
- The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is supported by £570,000 of Scottish Government funding.
- The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
- Join the conversation at #IAD2016
