A politician serving Dumbarton is hoping to get the public vote success in a Holyrood canine competition.

Maurice Corry, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for West Scotland, and his 12- year-old West Highland Terrier Bobby, will compete with other politicians and their pooches to win the coveted title of Holyrood Dog of the Year.

And the pair are calling for local support in a special public vote, with the winner to be announced on Monday, April 30.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes will be helping their MSP owners to strut their stuff as they head to the Scottish Parliament gardens at Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, to see who will be crowned top dog at this exciting new event.

Organised jointly by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, the competition offers the unique chance for Maurice to show off his loyal four-legged friend, Bobby.

Much like its long-running English counterpart Westminster Dog of the Year, Holyrood Dog of the Year endeavours to promote responsible dog ownership and encourage open dialogue on dog welfare issues in Scotland, as well as providing an opportunity for MSPs to meet with dog welfare experts to discuss all aspects of the dog world.

Proud owner, Maurice explains: “ Bobby is a very loyal dog and exemplifies the maxim of man/woman’s best friend. He is very friendly and good with children and people generally.

“His character is being full of fun with a loving nature and is very intelligent.”

Adrian Burder, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said the competition is more than a canine beauty pageant.

He added: “The competition is strictly apolitical; judges will be looking for the dogs’ good deeds and devotion to their owner – rather than policies, opinions or ‘bottle’.”

MSPs will also be calling for their supporters to vote for them with additional judging on the day which will review the contestants on their heroic doggy deeds and winning personalities.

This will then determine which political pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the Holyrood Dog of the Year title.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, added: “The serious side of this competition is about MSPs getting together with the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust to promote responsible dog ownership and develop a partnership on dog welfare issues.

“The competition itself is light-hearted and an entertaining day out - not least because of the unusual criteria on which the dogs are judged.”

The judging panel includes Paula Boyden, Dogs Trust Veterinary director, Bill Lambert, Kennel Club representative, and inaugural Holyrood Dog of the Year winner Emma Harper.