They were the unlikely heroes of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
Now it has been revealed Courier country helped to provide some of the Scottie dogs that starred in Wednesday’s night’s show at Celtic Park.
Angus, Maggie, Jinty and Jessie otherwise known as the “Broughty Scotties” were four Scottish Terriers from Dundee among 41 members of the breed which stole the hearts of the competitors and the crowd.Proud owners Marco Caira, his fiancee Emma Graham and sisters Louise and Ashley Smith paraded their pets around the stadium, accompanying some of the competing nations as they waved to the massive audience.Broughty Ferry businessman Marcosaid all four of them had enjoyed “theexperience of a lifetime” at the event.
He said: “There were 41 Scotties in total but with 73 teams some of us had to go twice.It was a fantastic experience.
“We made about nine trips through to Glasgow for rehearsals and they treated us reallywell.
“It was absolutely amazing. Scotties don’t always do what they’re told they’re a very independent breed and I thought when they all got together there would be a right royal rumble, but they behaved very well.
“It was a crazy idea but it really paid off I think. After all, what’s more Scottish than a Scottie?
“The athletes loved them, they were all over them backstage and were all getting their pictures taken with them.”
It was a family affair for sisters Ashley, 24, and 22-year-old Louise as their mum Wendy also took part in the ceremony as a placard holder.
Teacher Ashley said: “It was reallyexciting. We’d been to all the rehearsals but suddenly when we were backstage werealised just how big a deal it all was.
“Some people have been working their whole lives towards competing in theCommonwealth Games and it was a real honour to be a part of that.”
Fife also played its part, with Mr Beau from Crail and Freddie from Leven among the hounds who took centre stage.
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Mr Beau and his owner Isla Reid ledathletes from Malawi and Northern Ireland while Freddie and his owner Peter Duncan escorted representatives from the British Virgin Islands.
Isla told The Courier: “It was justwonderful and I felt so proud to be able to represent my country with my wee boy and meet all these incredible athletes.
“The atmosphere on the night wasamazing and the feeling I got when I walked out with Mr Beau is something I willtreasure forever.
“It was all worth it though and I’m so proud to have been asked to be part of such a wonderful, historic event.”