Capital's photogenic pooches get a starring role in unique contest

THEY say that every dog has its day.

For one lucky pup that day is almost at hand, with the chance of a starring role in a city art gallery.

Dozens of snapshots of posing pooches have been sent in to the City Arts Centre as part of a competition organised to promote the venue's William Wegman exhibition.

The photographer is famous for his striking, often bizarre portraits of his Weimaraner dogs, and local amateur snappers have been given the chance to see their work hanging alongside portraits by the American artist.

Staff given the task of choosing the best entries said they had been delighted by the quality of the pictures, with a few even coming close the standards of Wegman himself.

Among the entries is one from an Edinburgh man who captured his terrier enjoying a spot of literature, complete with reading glasses, while a woman from South Queensferry sent in a picture of her curious a King Charles Spaniel admiring a plaque dedicated to King Charles.

There is also an Edinburgh photographer who sent in a picture of her pugs, looking extremely weary in full Highland dress.

The competition has attracted entries from across the UK, and one of the stand-out pictures is Scottish Terrier Racing, taken by Nigel Young of Wishaw, who borrowed Border terrier Moss, named after Stirling Moss, to get some shots of him in his little pedal car, then put them together to create the illusion of dogs racing.

Mr Young said: "The picture was taken at The Mare in Hawick in July, and was created using a tripod whilst locating Moss and his pedal car in three separate positions.

"I borrowed him from friends for the shoot as he is an amazing friendly little Border Terrier, and we took the pictures with the help of some treats and my daughter's assistance."

Proving that pets do win prizes, the best entry will be framed and hung alongside Wegman's work at the City Arts Centre until the exhibition closes on October 24, before being gifted to the photographer to keep.

They will also be able to enjoy a free dinner for two at, rather appropriately, the Dogs restaurant in Hanover Street.

The restaurant's owner David Ramsden is a member of the judging panel who will choose the winning image, along with the city's culture and leisure leader Councillor Deidre Brock and Frank Little, the council's museums and galleries manager.