Where every dog can have its day in Angus.

TOURISM: Owners encouraged to put their pets forward for the role of Ambassadogs to promote the region

The hunt is on for canine champions to bark about the allure of Angus as area Ambassadogs.

A local collaborative is aiming to highlight dog-friendly tourism businesses and attractions as a key strand in the effort to drive up visitor numbers in the region.

Doggie gatherings at locations including Glamis Castle already see hundreds of families and their pets putting money into the area.

Those behind the drive hope they will unearth a pack of promotional pooches.

Stuart Clark, of Balmurfield House B&B, said: “Angus Tourism Co-operative (ATC) is comprised of Angus businesses whose aim is to work together to improve the tourism offer in Angus and to promote the area as a visitor destination, resulting in economic growth.

“The co-operative will provide one voice for our local tourism businesses, a forum to share views and experiences, and the opportunity to network, collaborate and develop the skills of members.”

The initiative will include advising businesses on how to be more dogfriendly, delivering events and signing up the Ambassadogs.

Mr Clark has been joined on a steering group formed by ATC members Vicky Gunn from Millies Pet Services, Libby Sutherland from Forbes of Kingennie and Louise Nicoll from Newton Farm Holidays and Farm Tours.

Mr Clark said: “We are looking for dogs that are as passionate about Angus as we are. Their job will be to sniff out the best dog-friendly spots in Angus and to bark about them to the world.

“We want dogs with character and pizazz to apply to help us build awareness of Angus as a dog-friendly destination.”

Potential Ambassadogs must live in the area and ATC is hopeful they may already have a presence on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, with an owner who may be willing to blog about their adventures.

Mr Clark added: “We don’t care whether folk are involved in the tourism industry or not.

“We just care that they love their dog and want to help make Angus a dogfriendly place to for us to live and others to visit.”

Online Angus Ambassadog entries are being invited by September 18 with the winners due to be announced on October 1.

The fast-growing sport of canicross is one of the dog-related activities that has already brought hundreds of visitors to the area.

From left: Ann-marie Black, Morag Clark, Louise Nicoll, Stuart Clark and Libby Sutherland.

Back, from left: Claire Lornie, Ann-marie Black, Morag and Stuart Clark. Front: Libby Sutherland, Louise Nicoll and Vicky Gunn. Pictures: Kim Cessford.