Adorable terrier crowned as Holyrood's Dog of the Year

MARIE McNair MSP's biewer terrier Heidi has been crowned as Holyrood's Dog of the Year.

The runners-up were Sue Weber's Hungarian vizsla Alfie in second place, and Alex Cole-Hamilton and his cockapoo Bramble in third.

Shirley-Anne Somerville's cockapoo Oscar won the "pawblic" vote.

SNP MSP Sue Weber's Hungarian vizsla Alfie (left) won second place, while Alex-Cole Hamilton's cockapoo Bramble won third (Image: PA)

Jointly organised by the Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, Edinburgh, the annual competition is open to all MSPs and celebrates the relationship between humans and dogs.

Some 13 MSPs took part with their canine companions this year, with the event held in the Scottish Parliament gardens.

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Nine brought their own dogs, while the remaining four were paired up with rescue dogs.

The event helps to call attention to issues that affect dogs and their owners.

Shirley-Anne Somerville's cockapoo Oscar won the paw-blic vote (Image: PA)

Last year, winning SNP MSP David Torrance, with golden retriever Buster, used the opportunity to call for the UK Government to drop VAT for dog food.

Greens MSP Mark Ruskell, who entered last year's contest with greyhound Joy and won the public vote, called for greyhound racing to be banned.

He said: "There’s a lot of inherent risk in racing dogs at 40mph around curved tracks.

“That’s where a lot of injuries can take place, that’s how Joy’s injury took place a number of years ago."