SOME the most endearing participants in the Glasgow 2014 opening ceremony last week were the ‘Scottie dogs’ – Scottish and West Highland Terriers – who led the teams out on to the track at Celtic Park.

Among them was Barclay, an 11-month-old Scottish Terrier from Beith who headed the Australian and Dominican teams.

Barclay belongs to Brian Kirk and Marie Cherry who is originally from Kilbirnie.

Brian said: “It was a superb night – an excellent experience.” Before the event, all dogs had to be checked by vets and animal behaviourists to make sure they had the right temperament to cope with parading in front of a cheering crowd of tens of thousands.

There were 41 dogs in total leading 71 teams so – like Barclay – some had to go round twice.

Brian continued: “Some of the dogs were quite a bit older than Barclay which is why they had to be carried round on their second trip.

“Barclay is game for anything.

"A lot of those dogs have had a lot of life experience but it’s all brand new to him.” Brian and Barclay thought they were going to have a lie-in after what was a late finish after the games ceremony, but Australia’s Channel 10 TV station sent a car to pick them up and whisk them back to Glasgow the next day for an interview on star presenter Sam Mac’s breakfast show.

Barclay has also become something of a local celebrity with appearances at primary schools planned for the new school session.

Brian said: “People stop us in the street and of course they are more interested in Barclay than me – I’m just hanging on to his coat tails!”