A WELL-LOVED pig from Gifford has been remembered by her owners and the East Lothian community following her death.

Bess – also known as Piggy – was put down at the age of 14 on August 19 due to declining health.

Anna and Robert Dalrymple, owners of Broadwoodside gardens on the edge of Gifford, bought two affectionate piglets from a friend in the Scottish Borders 14 years ago to bring home to the former farming stead as pets.

Known as Bess and Porky, or Malt and Teaser, and often referred to as Piggy by young children, the pair lived in a field by the gardens and were a regular sight for walkers in the area.

Bess’ sister Porky passed away three years ago from a tumour.

After Porky’s death, Anna was worried Bess would be lonely but was pleasantly surprised when she “thrived” on her own.

At the beginning of August, however, Anna and Robert noticed an ulcer on Bess’ back and realised her health was suffering.

Shortly after, they decided to put her down.

Anna said: “Bess was a sociable pig and she had lots of visitors.

“Since her passing, we have heard such wonderful stories about her, including one from a woman who visited Bess and Porky on a first date – with a man who is now her husband!”

The Kunekune pigs – which translates from Maori to fat and round – were well known by all ages and enjoyed socialising with passers-by.

Their favourite treats were apples.

Anna added: “I said we wouldn’t get any pigs now that they are gone but I have started to come round to the idea of a new pig. I wouldn’t be looking until the spring so that is to be confirmed.”

The couple announced the death of Bess in a sign displayed on the fence of “her little field” next to a path on the line of the old railway.

Their Instagram page was flooded with heartfelt stories of Bess and well wishes to the couple in the wake of her death.

One comment said: “Remember so fondly an afternoon spent with sketch pad in her and her friend’s company. Been vegetarian since that day.”

Another Instagram user said: “We’ve carried many an apple to her and she was a wonderful old girl.”

One even shared a story of her first date with her husband, saying: “One of my early dates with my now husband, a Gifford boy, was to introduce me to the lovely pigs.

“He remembers them growing up and was keen to share them with me.

“We last saw Bess just recently and gave her a good scratch.

“Even though we didn’t see them often, both pigs were a sweet part of our story and we are sorry to hear of their passing. They live on in the happy memories of the many people who passed their way.”