A new dog friendly scheme in Girvan has earned praise from the area's MSP. 

The Go Girvan scheme, operated by the community tourist board, aims to make it clear which businesses and attractions in the town welcome dogs. 

It is hoped that this will help people plan their trips and days out to Girvan and also encourage more dog lovers to make their way to the town.

Residents and tourists just need to look for the 'Dog Friendly' sticker on windows throughout the town.

Elena Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley, has praised the scheme, and says she is a regular visit to the town with her own dog. 

She said: “Mojo, my Jack Russell, and I loved our visit to Girvan and to find out more about the town’s dog friendly scheme.

"We made sure to make time for an ice cream from one of Girvan's many dog friendly businesses.

“As a dog owner, it can often be hard to plan trips without knowing what shops and restaurants they can be brought into so it is great to see this campaign being championed in Girvan.

"I am sure it will set Girvan on its way to becoming one of the most dog friendly towns in the country."

Girvan, and the New Café Royale, have their sights set on winning big in the UK’s Dog Friendly Awards 2023 which highlights the best destinations for dog owners.

Sussanne Arbuckle, from Go Girvan, says around 30 businesses in the town have now signed up to the scheme. 

She explained: "Girvan has long been a popular family-friendly destination and we have been working with local businesses and attractions to ensure four-legged members of the family can enjoy a break by the seaside too.

"Go Girvan has recently introduced our own dog friendly sticker scheme and webpage to help visitors easily identify premises that allow their pooches inside.

"We have almost 30 businesses signed up including amusement arcades, places to eat and drink, and independent shops."

You can vote for Girvan in the Dog Friendly Awards at www.dogfriendly.co.uk/town-city/listing/girvan-89533, and vote for the New Café Royale at www.dogfriendly.co.uk/restaurants-and-cafes/listing/the-new-cafe-royale-89534.