Puffins, Penguins, Polar Bears and Huskies

Discovery Point, Dundee, August 5

Twenty working Siberian husky dogs will descend on Dundee’s Discovery Point on Sunday during a family day themed around Arctic and Antarctic animals.

Visitors will be able to meet the ice dogs during the event, which aims to give the public a fascinating insight into the lives of animals working in extreme environments.

The man behind the husky visit is Pete Jones, a professional dog sled racer who first got into the business 20 years ago.

He soon discovered dog sled racing and took to the sport with ease, quickly rising in the competitive ranks.

Over the years he has competed and won places in many competitive dog sled races, winning the Aviemore Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Rally four years in a row.

The huskies are no strangers to publicity. They have already featured in two BBC documentaries, Inside Out and A1: Britain’s Longest Road. “The dogs love meeting people and they’re already TV stars in their own right,” said Pete.

“We’re excited about our visit to Captain Scott’s ship.

“It’s a fitting place to talk about our dog sledding work.”

Pete and the huskies will be making the 400-mile journey up from their home in Lincolnshire (though not by sled). The dogs will be featured alongside other activities inspired by animals living in polar regions.

Visitors will also be able to get up close to natural history specimens including a leopard seal skull, a polar bear skull and a narwhal tusk, which are kindly on loan from the Dundee University Museum Services.

Children can enjoy themed storytelling sessions with inspiring storyteller and puppeteer Sylvia Troon and face painting by local face-painter and artist Kitchimama, along with other arts and crafts.

The family day is the latest in a raft of “cool” Dundee happenings, including the popular Maggie’s Penguin Parade that has been taking the city by storm.

Discovery Point, home to the historic ship RRS Discovery and boasting recently upgraded exhibits and galleries, honoured the parade’s penguin theme last year with the launch of a new fluffy toy, Emma Penguin.

A clever play on the Dundonian accent, Emma Penguin is a best-seller in the gift shop.

Dr Paul Jennings, executive director of Dundee Heritage Trust, which operates RRS Discovery and its sister attraction Verdant Works, said: “We’re really looking forward to having the huskies here.

“I think it’ll be a great opportunity for families to learn about these animals and their environment.

“The family day will be a perfect event for all ages.”

This event will take place between noon and 4pm.

Children can get an insight into the Arctic, Antarctic and their animals during the husky visit on Sunday.