Lanarkshire MSPs and pooches seeking votes in bid to be Holyrood top dog (2025)

Clare Adamson and Meghan Gallacher are both teaming up with canine companions for the annual Scottish Parliament contest

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Judith Tonner

17:50, 09 Apr 2025

Lanarkshire MSPs and pooches seeking votes in bid to be Holyrood top dog (2)

Two Lanarkshire MSPs are seeking votes alongside their canine companions in a keenly-contested Scottish Parliament contest – the Holyrood Dog of the Year Awards.

Clare Adamson, the Motherwell & Wishaw representative, and Central Scotland politician Meghan Gallacher are among 12 entrants to the annual competition run by Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club; and are seeking votes from constituents in an online poll.


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Ms Adamson is taking part with her three-year-old black Labrador Sam, while Ms Gallacher is taking part with a Dogs Trust rescue pooch in support of the charity and its Uddingston rehoming centre.

The Motherwell & Wishaw MSP said: “Sam is a very happy and lovable boy with a very waggy tail whenever there are people or treats involved! He is a loving dog who does not hesitate to climb up on your lap and demand a cuddle, loves playing with his brother Frodo, and makes everyone around him smile.


“He helps me get up bright and early and gives our family a reason to get out, exercise and enjoy the beautiful parks across Motherwell and Wishaw. He is a very important four-legged member of our family, and enjoying walks with him is fantastic for mental health and wellbeing.

“Sam is a very good boy who never fails to put a smile on my face– he’s adorable, funny and caring, and has brought so much happiness to so many people. He can’t wait to show off his good boy skills to his dog friends, and join them in raising awareness of the fantastic work carried out by Dogs Trust.”

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Central Scotland politician Ms Gallacher, who also took part in the previous two years, said: “I’ve chosen to enter with a Dogs Trust dog because I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Dogs Trust centre in Uddingston many times and I would love to give the title of Holyrood dog of the year to one of their bright, bubbly little faces.


“A dog makes a home and they bring so much love. They also make the home feel safe, well-entertained, comforted and so much happiness.

“I think my Dogs Trust former rescue dog [should] be crowned Holyrood Dog of the Year because a former rescue dog hasn’t been crowned yet and I would absolutely love to see them crowned champion as they deserve it.”

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An online vote is open now at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/hdoty, and the top dog will be crowned at an event in the Holyrood gardens later this month where judges will “review the contestants on their good dog deeds and winning personalities”.


Organisers say: “The competition celebrates the unique bond between dogs and their owners and offers the opportunity for MSPs to show off their loyal canine friends or rescue dog they are matched with.

“This year’s is about celebrating dogs as members of the family, highlighting the vital role they play in so many households. Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club believe that everyone should be able to benefit from the unique human-animal bond and happiness that dog ownership can bring.”

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Lanarkshire MSPs and pooches seeking votes in bid to be Holyrood top dog (2025)

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