Dave and Betty sniff out the best; Pets Corner.

Byline: Scott Miller

With a family holiday on the cards, my adventurous pooches, Betty the Border Terrier and Dave the Cross breed hound have the pleasure of traversing bonny Scotland.

First stop is the dog friendly Crosswood Hill - www.crosswoodhill.co.uk - holiday cottages just outside Lanark.

In the beautiful gardens flanked by alpine forest and rolling hills, Betty and Dave quickly acquainted themselves with country living. Welcomed by Geraldine, a member of the Association of Scottish Self caterers and animal lover, the extended family and I stayed in the cosy part of the house known as The Wing. Betty and Dave quickly made the place home, curling up in front of the fire.

Our next stop was New Lanark, a World Heritage site, where they opted for a dip. The forest walk beside the Falls of Clyde must rank in the top five most beautiful places the dogs have walked.

Leaving Crosswood Hill, we drove to Edinburgh. Walking the dogs in Princes Gardens, I was alerted to a bronze statue of a dog.

Affectionately known as Bum, this statue of San Diego''s beloved vagabond dog was gifted to the city after Edinburgh sent a similar statue of Greyfriars Bobby. The dogs represent the spirit of a twinning link, of friendship and loyalty.

Next stop... the dogs run off to the Highlands.