Hilltop Boarding Kennels: Ochiltree business wins award

Hilltop Boarding Kennels claimed the prize for the 'Kennels of the Year' regional prize for East Lothian, North and East Ayrshire and the Scottish Borders, at the Local Pet Awards.

The family-run business, which was set up around five years ago, retained the title, after being crowned winners of the same prize last year.

Pamela Weir previously worked as a veterinary nurse, but she turned her hand to opening the boarding kennels near Ochiltree, which she now runs with her daughter, Natalie.
Daughter, Natalie, loving her role. (Image: Hilltop Boarding Kennels)

Despite claiming the title last year, Pamela admits it came as a shock to repeat the achievement this year.

She said: “We were in a bigger category this year so we actually didn’t expect to win this.

“We obviously didn’t expect it last year, but our customers are just amazing. A lot of them have now become more like friends than customers.

Double trouble. (Image: Hilltop Boarding Kennels)

“We’re lucky to have so much support with this and we have so many amazing people that trust us with their dogs.

“To think that when we opened up the kennels we started with one or two customers to now having boking for months in advance is an amazing thought.

“We’ve built the relationship with their dogs as well so it means we make sure we’re giving them the best care we can."

Hilltop Boarding Kennels came out on tope again. (Image: Hilltop Boarding Kennels)

Running a successful family-run business is something that comes with sacrifices, but Pamela is thrilled to have her daughter close by her side.

She added: “It makes it even more special because I’m doing it with my daughter. She’s my partner in crime with this, and she makes everything so much easier for me.

“She’s put her heart and soul into this and my husband does a lot of maintenance things around the kennels.

“My family don’t really see as much of us as I’d like, because we are so busy, so I owe them a massive thank you as well."

Pamela continued: “I had a 17-year-old dog in the other week and I couldn’t sleep and was making sure it was all right.

“But it says a lot that people trust us to take care of their dog.

The winning team. (Image: Hilltop Boarding Kennels)

“We’re absolutely blown away by this award.

"I got a bit emotional during the ceremony, because I lost my best friend during Covid, and it wad the anniversary of her death on the night we won the award, so it just made it that bit more special."