A GIRVAN tourism group has launched a bid to make the town a go-to destination for dog owners holidaying in Scotland.
Go Girvan has engaged with a host of local businesses over the last few months to identify ways of making the town as dog-friendly as possible.
A new Go Girvan dog-friendly sticker scheme has proved popular, with more than 20 shops, pubs and cafes already signed up.
The scheme allows visitors to easily identify local premises that allow dogs inside.
Many of the businesses have dog treats at the counter and The New Cafe Royale has even introduced a dog menu.
And a new website - gogirvan.co.uk/dog-friendly - has also been launched, listing all the dog-friendly things to do in the town, along with a list of local dog-friendly accommodation.
The organisation is hoping to build on the reputation of Girvan's award-winning beach as well as its dog-friendly parks, gardens, hill paths and coastal trails as the perfect place to take your pooch for a walk.
Furry companions are also welcome in Girvan’s Community Garden, which hosts free live music at weekends, or they can head to Lawrence's Amusement Arcade for some old-fashioned seaside fun.
Biosphere Bikes, a local bike hire enterprise, has just added two dog trailers to their range - and pooches with four sea legs can even join their humans on a boat trip to Ailsa Craig.
During August, Go Girvan will be encouraging visitors and locals to upload photos of their pooches enjoying a break in the town to Instagram using the hashtag #DogFriendlyGirvan, with the best image winning a doggy hamper from Girvan Pet Store.
Susanne Arbuckle, Go Girvan's media and marketing officer, said: "We know dogs are very much a part of the family and we are aware that an increasing number of dog owners want to take their pet on holiday with them.
"They don't want to compromise on what activities they are able to do during their break so we have been working with local businesses in Girvan to make sure dogs can enjoy their time here just as much as humans.
"By creating a sticker scheme and a dedicated webpage, we hope dog owners will be inspired to visit when they see just how dog-friendly Girvan is.
"Our goal is to make Girvan one of Scotland's most dog-friendly destinations and I believe we are already well on the way to fulfilling that ambition."
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