IN AMONGST the giant teacakes and musical performances from multi-million-selling artists like Susan Boyle and Rod Stewart, there was a four-legged creature from Dunbar stealing the nation’s heart during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

Hamish the Scottish Terrier was one of the 40 lucky dogs acting as Team Name Bearers during the opening ceremony at Celtic Park.

His owners, father-and-son Barry and Aaron Chisholm, were among those taking part in the ceremony and were lucky enough to lead out the home nation.

Barry told the Courier: “It was an absolute honour to walk out in front of the national squad.

“It’s something I never dreamt of doing, so I was quite emotional with the stars singing Flower of Scotland.” There was no long drawn out casting process for seven-year-old Hamish.

The father and son were sworn to secrecy ahead of the big event, with the stadium filled with 40,000 spectators and an estimated global television audience of over one billion people.

Barry explained: “It came about through pure chance.

“We were taking him to a dog groomer and had to go to another because the first one could not fit us in.

“It was there we were told they were looking for Scottish Terriers for the Commonwealth Games.” Originally, it was only going to be 40-year-old Barry who stepped out at Scotland’s home of football.

The organisers wanted only people over the age of 18 but they had a change of heart and agreed to let Aaron, who will be attending Dunbar Grammar School after the summer holidays, take part as well.

Barry said: “I would still have done it – you cannot pass up the chance – but I just thought it was a nice thing for a father and son to do.

“They put us together and it turned out fantastic.” The majority of the dogs were experienced show dogs and have been involved in similar environments before.

Though for a small number, it was a new environment and therefore significant care was taken to make the dogs feel comfortable.

A rehearsal was held on the Saturday night, with about 12,000 people in the stadium.

Then, another rehearsal was held on Monday night as the dogs – and people – got used to walking around the pitch ahead of the real thing last Wednesday.

The terriers were carefully choreographed to ensure they were introduced to the stadium gradually.

Both the sound and audience were phased in once the dogs were more familiar with the environment.

Vets and animal behaviour specialists were on hand to monitor the dogs throughout rehearsals and the ceremony itself.

During the athletes’ parade they were located in the stadium with clear view of the dogs.

Since then, Barry, 11-year-old Aaron and, of course, Hamish have become stars.

“It’s been really busy,” Barry said.

“We had photo shoots with national newspapers on the Thursday and we had television interviews with BBC Breakfast and ITV on the same day.

“It’s just been crazy.

“We were going through Glasgow on the Thursday and people were mobbing us and taking photographs.

“Taxi drivers were shouting ‘Hamish’ out of their window – it’s just been really, really crazy.” Scottie Dogs, more formally known as Scottish Terriers, are one of five breeds of terrier that originated in Scotland.

And it is that which ensured they were a popular choice.

Almost a week after the big event, Barry, Aaron and Hamish are starting to adjust back to normality.

Barry added: “We’re slowly adjusting.”