K9 Search & Recovery ScotlandScotland’s first underwater sniffer dog has received a posthumous award after dedicating more than a decade to bringing closure to families.
Springer spaniel Barra spent 11 years helping to find bodies in the River Clyde before retiring from duty in 2022.
His owner Iain Marshall announced in May that with “great sadness” Barra had been put to sleep after a short illness.
Barra was initially born in Wales before finding his forever home in Dumbarton, where his talent as a victim recovery dog was discovered.
He qualified as Scotland’s first underwater sniffer dog leading to the creation of K9 Search & Recovery Scotland.
Iain, a Coastguard volunteer, and Barra received calls from police and coastguards all over the country to help in the search for missing people.
Iain posted on social media: “Today we Received Barras PDSA Order of Merit medal and certificate. I’m so proud of the service that Barra has given over the years.
“Mixed emotions today as I miss him by my side but very proud of his commitment and achievements to Search and Recovery.”
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