From November, eight libraries across Perth and Kinross will be opening their doors to well-behaved dogs and their owners every Friday. As part of the Dog Friendly Perthshire initiative, Charitable Trust, Culture Perth and Kinross will be the first library service in Scotland to welcome dogs into their buildings.

The Library service recognises the role that dogs play in providing support and companionship to many people across Perth and Kinross and the help they give to a number of people in social situations.

Head of Libraries, Morag Kelly said

“We hope to encourage people from across Perth and Kinross who wouldn’t normally come into our libraries with their dog, to use this opportunity to feel welcome and access our services without the worry of leaving their dog in the car or tied up outside.

Feedback from other venues in Perth and Kinross who have adopted this initiative has been very positive.”

The eight libraries taking part in Dog Friendly Fridays are the AK Bell Library in Perth, along with Alyth, Auchterarder, Blairgowrie, Comrie, Coupar Angus, Pitlochry and Scone Libraries. All libraries taking part in Dog Friendly Friday will be providing a bowl of water for their four-legged friends each Friday, and there will be dog biscuits for the first dogs through the door.