A border collie who lost his sight when just a pup is taking centre stage at Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open this weekend.
Skye is the loyal companion of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club’s head greenkeeper, Robert Paterson, and is now the only dog permitted to tread on the course.
He lost his sight when he was six months, after an accident on the course, and was helped in his duties by another collie Brodie, who died a few weeks ago.
Skye, who used the sound of a bell worn by Brodie to guide him round the greens, will now work solo on the course this weekend.
Mr Paterson, head greenkeeper at the club for almost 20 years, says he could not do his job without his best worker by his side.
“Skye’s a constant companion and is always by my side.
“When the accident happened nothing could be done to repair Skye’s damaged optic nerves, but there was never a question of what we were going to do. We just adapted life at home and work to suit him and now you’d never know he was blind.
“Although he’s lost his sight he knows every bunker on the course and uses his sense of smell and hearing to get around.”
Brodie, who died at the age of 15, has been buried at the ninth tee, along with Mr Paterson’s first family dog, Shep.
Skye and Brodie will be starring in adverts for Aberdeen Asset Management which will be broadcast in the USA during live coverage of the Scottish Open. The adverts were filmed just a week before Brodie died.
Mr Paterson said: “Brodie was a real character and a support to Skye as he wore a bell on his collar to help him find his way around.
“We all feel a tremendous sadness that Brodie isn’t here for the Scottish Open – but Skye won’t be far away from the action.
“Holding the Scottish Open here at Royal Aberdeen has to be one of my proudest moments.
“And when the players reach the ninth tee, I know that Brodie and Shep will be right there in spirit, feeling pretty proud of themselves too.”