Recognition of Girvan in South Ayrshire as Most Dog Friendly Town in the UK

That this House recognises and congratulates the town and people of Girvan, South Ayrshire on winning the prestigious Dog Friendly UK awards and recognition as the Most Dog Friendly Town in the United Kingdom, achieving the most public votes of the 122 entrants in the town or city category; notes especially the contribution of the Go Girvan Project, Trustees and local volunteers for their leadership, co-ordination of the project, and their involvement and partnership working with local businesses; further notes that the initiative included introducing a Go Girvan dog-friendly sticker scheme, highlighting over 30 local businesses in the scheme including cafes, shops, pubs, visitor attractions and accommodation providers, and promoting Girvan as a dog-friendly visitor destination by further highlighting the dog-friendly beach which extends to almost two miles, local dog-friendly walks and other dog-friendly activities; and notes the benefits to the local economy by attracting visitors to shop and spend time in the area and increasingly recognising the attractiveness of Girvan as a positive, thriving and welcoming tourist destination.