Fashion designer tells of trauma of losing dog in fatal attack

One of Scotland's top fashion designers has told of the trauma of losing her dog in a fatal attack by a larger dog in a Highland village.

Black Isle-based Siobhan Mackenzie said her dad Graham was walking Gigi, a four-year-old Biewer terrier, in Fortrose on Tuesday when she was mauled by an ex-racing greyhound.

Mackenzie described the attack as "brutal" and vets were unable to save Gigi.

The designer, who hopes her experience helps others to avoid similar incidents, said: "Gigi was the friendliest, sweetest little girl. She's been torn from us."

Police Scotland said its inquiries into the incident were ongoing and has appealed for witnesses.

Mackenzie, who designed the official tartan for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, said she had to travel for her work and her dad would take Gigi for regular walks.

"My Dad has got cancer and he is getting treatment and Gigi brought him more joy and positivity than she ever knew," said Mackenzie.

"He said she gave him a reason to get up and out every day, even when not feeling like it."

Mr Mackenzie was walking at a campsite in Fortrose when the attacked happened.

Gigi was trained to walk to heel, but Mr Mackenzie had picked up her up when he spotted a woman walking two greyhounds to give them some space.

He put Gigi back down once they had passed and at a point on the path they were on was wider.

Mackenzie said the other dog owner had "summoned" Gigi over for a treat and moments later she was repeatedly attacked.

Her dad was knocked back by one of the dogs as he tried to intervene.

"She suffered a violent death," said the designer.

Mackenzie believes the other dog was too strong for its owner to control, and said tighter vetting was needed for rehoming rescued dogs to better match them with new owners.

She said the Highland Council dog warden she alerted to the incident was "brilliant" and had informed police. She also praised the efforts of vets, but added that Gigi was too badly injured to be saved.

Mackenzie said her dad, who served for 17 years in the fire service, had seen "terrible sights" during his time as a firefighter

"He said Gigi getting mauled was more horrific to see than any of those things," she said.

Police Scotland confirmed it had received a report that a dog had been killed in the Fortrose area.

A spokesperson said: "Further investigation in conjunction with the local authority dog warden was conducted on Thursday and police inquiries into the incident remain ongoing.

"Anyone who witnessed what happened, or has information to help, should contact Police Scotland."

Team Scotland unveiled the tartan created by Mackenzie for the Glasgow games last month.

She had previously worked as a tailoring technician at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

She later designed Team Scotland's womenswear for the Gold Coast in 2018 and the full design for the tartan and opening ceremony outfits for Birmingham 2022.

One of her other designs, a sleeveless jumper with the word "Murrrder" in glitter font, was made for Alan Cumming to wear on the US version of The Traitors reality TV series.