A SCOTTISH terrier from Dunbar who captured the nation’s hearts after starring at Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games has passed away.

Hamish was one of the 40 lucky dogs acting as Team Name Bearers during the opening ceremony of the international competition four years ago.

Father-and-son Barry and Aaron Chisholm joined Hamish at the glittering ceremony, which featured Susan Boyle, Rod Stewart and even giant teacakes at Celtic Park.

A post on Hamish’s Twitter page on Thursday, August 16, read: “At 1.15am this morning, Hamish went to Rainbow Bridge.

“Thank you to everyone who came into his life over the last four years.

“He was proud to have led out Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014. He also loved his time with STV Appeal & Pedal Scotland.”

Barry said it had been a hard time, with Hamish passing away on his 12th birthday.

He told the Courier: “He took a really bad turn on the Wednesday.

“He was off his food on the Wednesday morning and was lame and lazy. He just lay in the garden and did not wag his tail and never stood up.

“Him and [their other dog] Bonnie were always at the gate waiting on us coming in from work.”

A trip to the vet failed to see his temperature drop and the difficult decision to see Hamish put to sleep was taken in the early hours of the morning.

Hamish was not only part of the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in 2014 but also took part in STV’s Pedal Scotland appeal.

That saw him meeting various celebrities, including cyclist, adventurer and broadcaster Mark Beaumont.

Barry said: “He loved it.

“You can always tell he really enjoyed it.

“He was very much a people dog and he was always going up in the saddle next to somebody and would rub his nose up their leg to get their attention.

“A lot of the time he knew he was going to get his photograph taken.”

STV weather presenter and fundraiser Sean Batty also took to Twitter to offer his condolences.

He said: “So sorry to hear about little Hamish.

“Was great to have him join me on various cycling challenges over the years for the STV Appeal.

“He helped raise lots of money for Scotland’s children, and he’ll now be getting rewarded with lots of pupcakes. Thanks for your help Hamish.”