Visual Treasure: Skye terrier

The winsome expression and silken, flowing coat belie the rugged hinterland of the Skye terrier—formerly known as the terrier of the Western Isles where they were used to flush out otters. It’s thought to be the oldest Scottish breed—one was discovered sheltering within the skirts of the executed Mary, Queen of Scots—favoured by aristocrats (Queen Victoria and Robert Louis Stevenson kept them) and immortalised through the tragic legend of the faithful Greyfriars Bobby, yet it’s the rarest of all terrier breeds; only 28 puppies were registered with the Kennel Club in 2016. This stately example is named Thor—he was bred in Norway and is owned by long-time Skye terrier aficionado Sine Threlfall of Ardvasar. His favourite things include salmon, playing rugby with hedgehogs and wallowing in lochs.