He's the star of a Scottish travel blog with thousands of followers on social media, but Casper the wee white Westie takes it all in his stride.
Edinburgh-based owner Samantha Grant stated that wherever the little pooch goes on his travels - sporting his Harris tweed bow tie - his adoring public are never far away.
Keen to show off the beauty of Scotland, Sam explained that her blog, Scotland with the Wee White Dug, was the result of her and her husband Alex's love of travelling - with Casper happy to join them every step of the way.
Sam said: "The idea came from a friend encouraging me to start a blog to share more detailed information about the places in Scotland I was visiting.
"I struggled to think of a name at first, but when I thought about what it was I did, it came to me – I travelled around Scotland with my dog (and husband), so the name ‘Scotland with the Wee White Dug’ seemed obvious."
She added that Casper has become something of a celebrity, and has been spotted a few times on their visits to places like Skye, Edinburgh and Mull.
"He does get recognised, an American fan on the Royal Mile a couple of years ago almost hyper-ventilated when she realised she’d stopped to clap THE Wee White Dug."
Setting out to educate and offer advice on what Scotland has to offer, Sam explained that she's always had a deep love for the country she calls home - even from a young age - and the blog has simply become a natural extension of that passion.
She said: "I’ve always been passionate about Scotland – the history, literature, myths and legends.
"I ended up studying Scottish history and literature at Edinburgh University and my interest in Scotland’s past, language and culture has never waned. Scotland has so many stories to tell and people love to hear them.
"For me, Scotland has it all – scenery to knock your socks off, a rich heritage and a bountiful natural larder. We’ll never tire of exploring Scotland, as the more we explore, the more we discover."
It seems Casper shares his owner's love of Scotland, Sam said he is a "typical terrier" - loyal, loud and definitely cheeky - meaning he has no fear.
"He loves to explore, he's in his element when we're hiking on a remote hillside." --
The travel blogger stated that the blog and social feeds have allowed them to experience some incredible things over the years, with a weekend in a castle with links to David Hume, Sir Walter Scott and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and a stay in Edinburgh's iconic Balmoral Hotel particular highlights.
It's not all high-end luxury though.
"Our most memorable ever travel experience was during a budget break in the Small Isles.
"We paid £10 to go on a boat trip with the Rum Ranger and had a close up encounter with Minke Whales.
"It was my first whale sighting and it completely blew me away."
Though the summer Lockdown and the subsequent travel restrictions has kept them cooped up in the capital, Sam explained that they can't wait to get back out on adventures.
"Living in Edinburgh, has made lockdown easier to deal with, although I do get stir crazy when I can’t move around freely but until the capital leaves tier three, I’ll just play tourist at home.”
"My diary for 2021 is already filling up fast. We’re long overdue a trip to Mull, so I’ll definitely be looking to book a few days away there for us when I get the chance."
