A CONSERVATIVE MSP from Helensburgh is hoping to see his West Highland Terrier crowned Scotland’s top ‘paw-litical’ pet next week.

Maurice Corry and his 12-year-old dog Bobby are competing in the Holyrood Dog of the Year competition alongside MSPs from all sides of the Scottish Parliament chamber and their pets.

The competition is open to a public vote, and reaches a climax with the final at the Parliament this Monday, April 30.

Mr Corry, who lives in Helensburgh and is a former Argyll and Bute councillor for Lomond North, explained: “Bobby is a very loyal dog and exemplifies the maxim of man or 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.”

The competition is being backed by the Kennel Club and the Dogs Trust to promote dog welfare and responsible dog ownership.

The other MSPs competing for the title are Christine Grahame, Ben Macpherson, Bill Bowman, Ruth Maguire, Maurice Golden, Gillian Martin, Jeremy Balfour, Tom Mason, Maurice Corry, Annie Wells, Mark Griffin and David Torrance.

Cast your vote online before Monday at thekennelclub.org.uk/events/holyrood-dog-of-the-year.