Katie McCandless-Thomas and Baxter enjoying a quiet read in the AK Bell Library in Perth after news emerged that eight libraries across Perth and Kinross are to have ‘Dog Friendly Fridays’.

INITIATIVE: Dog Friendly Perthshire launch scheme to recognise important role of pooches in people’s lives

Eight libraries in Perth and Kinross have become the first in Scotland to open their doors to dogs of the “well behaved” variety.

The pioneering scheme is part of the growing Dog Friendly Perthshire initiative.

Every Friday, libraries including Perth’s historic AK Bell building will welcome pet dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Culture Perth and Kinross, which runs the region’s library service, said it wanted to recognise the important role that dogs play in supporting their human companions, including those who need extra help in social situations.

Head of libraries Morag Kelly said: “We hope to encourage people from across Perth and Kinross who wouldn’t normally come into our libraries with their dog, to use this opportunity to feel welcome and access our services without the worry of leaving their dog in the car or tied up outside.”

She said: “Feedback from other venues in Perth and Kinross who have adopted this initiative has been very positive.”

All eight libraries taking part in Dog Friendly Friday will offer water bowls and there will be biscuits for the first dogs through the door.

As well as the AK Bell building, participating libraries include Alyth, Auchterarder, Blairgowrie Comrie, Coupar Angus, Pitlochry and Scone.

The Dog Friendly Perthshire campaign has gone from strength to strength since its launch as an online guide in 2015.

Katie McCandless Thomas said she wanted to create a resource that would encourage more visitors and their pets to come to the the area and help it to secure a slice of the lucrative “hound pound”.

Katie’s loyal Ihasa apso Baxter, pictured left, was among the first fourlegged visitors to the inaugural Dog Friendly Friday event at the AK Bell.

Meanwhile, the initiative is offering dogs and their owners a safe place away from tonight’s firework festivities.

A dog-friendly screening of the 1993 film Homeward Bound will be held at the Perth Playhouse from 7pm.

It coincides with the city’s fireworks display at South Inch.

Lights will be dimmed during the screening and the volume will be turned down to make the event more comfortable for all.

We hope to encourage people... to use this opportunity to feel welcome and access our services without worry

Picture: Steve MacDougall.

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Our four and two-legged friends enjoyed a visit to the AK Bell library.